Combined endoscopic endonasal and transcranial approach for internal carotid artery aneurysms: usefulness and safety of endonasal proximal control.

It is necessary to secure both the proximal and distal sides of the parent artery to prevent premature rupture when clipping cerebral aneurysms. Herein, we describe four cases in which the proximal internal carotid artery (ICA), affected by a paraclinoid aneurysm, was secured using an endoscopic endonasal approach. We used various tools, including a surgical video, cadaver dissection picture, artist's illustration, and intraoperative photographs, to elucidate the process. No patient experienced postoperative complications at our institution. Compared to the cervical or cavernous ICA, the ICA adjacent to the clivus (paraclival ICA) can be anatomically safely and easily exposed using an endoscopic endonasal approach because there is no need to consider cerebrospinal fluid leakage or hemorrhage from the cavernous sinus. Securing the proximal side of the parent artery using an endoscopic endonasal approach may be a viable method for clipping selected ICA aneurysms, such as paraclinoid aneurysms especially for upward or outward aneurysms of the C2 portion.

Paraclinoid aneurysms clipping through an extradural sphenoid ridge keyhole approach.

BACKGROUND: Paraclinoid aneurysms represent a challenge for neurosurgeons due to the anatomical complexity of this region. Then, innovative techniques such as the extradural sphenoid ridge approach are suitable for a safe microsurgical clipping. METHOD: A description of the surgical technique was made by the senior author, a vascular neurosurgeon experienced with the use of this approach in the management of paraclinoid aneurysms exemplified through a clinical case. CONCLUSION: Microsurgical clipping through an extradural sphenoid ridge keyhole approach for small and midsize paraclinoid aneurysms is an excellent treatment modality with good clinical and surgical results.

How I do it: The microsurgical clipping of the giant paraclinoid aneurysm using the retrograde suction decompression technique.

BACKGROUND: Paraclinoid aneurysms account for 5.4% of all intracranial aneurysms. Giant aneurysms are found in 49% of these cases. The 5-year cumulative rupture risk is 40%. Microsurgical treatment of paraclinoid aneurysms is a complex challenge that requires a personalized approach. METHOD: Extradural anterior clinoidectomy and optic canal unroofing were performed in addition to orbitopterional craniotomy. Falciform ligament and distal dural ring transection provided the internal carotid artery and optic nerve mobilization. Retrograde suction decompression was used to soften the aneurysm. Clip reconstruction was performed using tandem angled fenestration and parallel clipping techniques. CONCLUSION: Orbitopterional approach with extradural anterior clinoidectomy combined with retrograde suction decompression technique is a safe and effective modality for treatment of giant paraclinoid aneurysms.

Extradural anterior clinoidectomy versus endoscopic transplanum-transcavernous approach to the paraclinoid region: quantitative anatomical exposure analysis.

BACKGROUND: Transcranial anterior clinoidectomy is a conventional microsurgical approach for treatment of paraclinoid aneurysms. The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) is an alternative method for clipping intracranial aneurysms. No analysis has been conducted to anatomically compare approaches with respect to treating paraclinoid aneurysms. The surgical anatomical exposures of the paraclinoid region during transcranial extradural anterior clinoidectomy (EAC) and the endoscopic endonasal transplanum-cavernous approach (EETC) are described and quantitatively assessed. METHOD: Seven cadaveric heads underwent EAC and EETC. Measurements included the area of exposure, volume of surgical freedom, angle of attack, ophthalmic artery (OphA) origin, and coronal exposure angle of the internal carotid artery (ICA). RESULTS: The EETC provided a larger area of exposure than the EAC (100.1±24.9 vs 76.1±12.9 mm2, p = 0.04). The EAC provided a higher volume of surgical freedom and greater angle of attack than the EETC in all neurovascular parameters, including the OphA, superior hypophyseal artery (SHA), distal ICA, and distal dural ring (all p < 0.001). The OphA origin was intradural in 85.7% and extradural in 14.3% of specimens. With regard to the coronal angle of exposure, the EAC exposed the OphA and SHA in the upper lateral quadrant (67.9±7.8° and 80.6±4.5°, respectively) and the distal ICA in the upper medial and upper lateral quadrants (92±7.5°). The EEA exposed the OphA, SHA, and distal ICA in the upper medial and lower medial quadrants (130.4±10.7°, 68.4±10.8°, and 58±11.4°, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The EAC and EETC each offer specific advantages for paraclinoid region exposure. The EAC is appropriate for paraclinoid aneurysms that occur at the dorsolateral surface of the paraclinoid ICA. The EETC is an alternative approach for aneurysms that occur along medial surface of the paraclinoid ICA (e.g., carotid cave and SHA aneurysms). The EETC provides greater surgical exposure to the medial aspect of the paraclinoid ICA.

Late complications of visual impairment and hydrocephalus after flow diverter-assisted coil embolisation for intracranial large aneurysm: a case report and literature review.

Large or giant paraclinoid aneurysms typically have good indication for flow diverter (FD) treatment. Here, we report a very rare case of a patient with an unruptured supraclinoid large aneurysm who underwent FD deployment with coil embolisation that resulted in delayed visual field defect (VFD) and hydrocephalus. A 75-year-old woman with a large right supraclinoid aneurysm presented with severe hemianopia in the right eye. She underwent FD deployment with coil embolisation of the aneurysm. However, permanent left visual field loss occurred four months after surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed severe oedema surrounding the aneurysm along the optic tract. Inflammation led to postoperative hydrocephalus, requiring ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of both a delayed VFD and hydrocephalus following FD treatment. In cases of FD treatment with coil embolisation for large paraclinoid aneurysms, clinicians should keep in mind that postoperative visual impairment or/and hydrocephalus may occur.

Visual Impairment due to a large paraclinoid aneurysm treated with parent artery occlusion and bypass: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Paraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms can sometimes cause visual field disturbances due to their size, and it is challenging to treat either surgically or using endovascular techniques. Flow diverters generally have positive outcomes, but sometimes in symptomatic aneurysms, we see the thrombosed section becomes enlarged. Therefore, optimal treatment strategies are difficult to determine. CASE: A 68-year-old woman presented with a chief complaint of vision loss in the left eye. A large wide-necked saccular aneurysm was found on the left ICA paraclinoid portion. Under general anesthesia, a Pipeline Flex was inserted along with coil embolization. After treatment, the aneurysm showed thrombotic expansion, and the visual impairment worsened. One year later, aneurysm recanalization was evident; therefore, another Pipeline was inserted to overlap the stent. However, her visual impairment worsened again, and parent artery occlusion with high flow bypass was performed 20 months after her first treatment. Two weeks postoperatively, improved peripheral vision was confirmed. Further, no enlargement of the aneurysm was observed using magnetic resonance imaging 6 months later. CONCLUSION: This case examined a symptomatic, large paraclinoid aneurysm in a patient, which continued to enlarge after Pipeline stent placement, but was later treated successfully using direct parent artery occlusion in combination with high-flow bypass.

Open-cell stent-assisted coiling for the treatment of paraclinoid aneurysms: traditional endovascular treatment is still not out of date.

PURPOSE: Before we enter the era of flow diverter stents (FDS), the standard stent-assisted coiling technique is a well-established treatment option for routine paraclinoid aneurysms. We assess the clinical safety and efficacy of stent-assisted coiling with open-cell stent in the treatment of paraclinoid aneurysms and evaluate the association between clinical factors and follow-up aneurysm occlusion. METHODS: The clinical and radiographic data of 110 consecutive patients with 122 paraclinoid aneurysms treated with open-cell stent between April 2015 and April 2019 were analyzed retrospectively at our center. We assessed the immediate and progressive occlusion rates, complications, and clinical outcome. Multivariate analysis was performed to investigate the risk factors of angiographic incomplete occlusion. RESULTS: Among 110 patients, stent-assisted coiling was successfully performed in all cases. Four (3.6%) thromboembolic events were reported during the procedure, which resulted in transient morbidity. Immediate angiography demonstrated complete occlusion in 64 (52.5%) aneurysms and no occlusion of ophthalmic artery. Angiographic follow-up at 6 months demonstrated an increase in the complete occlusion rate to 92.9%. No delayed in-stent stenosis was observed, and three aneurysms recurred. Clinical follow-up was completed in 102 patients (92.7%), and favorable outcomes were achieved in 101 (99%) patients at 6 months. Multivariate analysis showed that aneurysm size (p < 0.001) was associated with incomplete aneurysm occlusion at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Stent-assisted coil embolization with open-cell stents is safe and effective for the treatment of paraclinoid aneurysms and provides progressive occlusion without significant in-stent stenosis events.

Microneurosurgery for Paraclinoid Aneurysms in the Context of Flow Diverters.

The advent of flow diverter (FD) stents has apparently reduced the role of microneurosurgery for paraclinoid aneurysms despite sparse high-quality evidence about their long-term effects.The present study critically reviews the overall results of a microneurosurgical series of 57 paraclinoid aneurysms.Of these aneurysms, 47.4% were regular in size while 19.3 were giant. Barami type I was predominant. In 21 aneurysms a hemorrhagic onset occurred. Pterional approach with intradural anterior clinoidectomy was preferred by far. Clipping was possible in 91.2% of aneurysms and a high-flow bypass was the choice in five cases. An mRS of 0-2 was achieved in 77.3% of patients, typically <50 years old.Visual field appeared improved or unchanged in 36.3% and 63.6% of the symptomatic patients, respectively. In 76.1% of incidental aneurysms, campimetry was unaffected by surgery.A complete aneurysm exclusion was achieved in 93% of cases using a single procedure. No recurrences were documented on an average follow-up of 54.1 ± 34 months.Microneurosurgery is still a valuable, definitive, and durable option for Barami type Ia, Ib, or II paraclinoid aneurysm, especially in patients <50 years old and visually symptomatic. Conditions other than these are ideal candidates for FD stents.

How I do it: proximal control in parkinson's triangle for a very large paraclinoid aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Paraclinoid aneurysms, especially when they are large, can be quite difficult to treat, both endovascularly and through microsurgical clip reconstruction. There are many possibilities to approach this region surgically, and most hinge on total or partial removal of the anterior clinoid process. Gaining proximal control may be a challenge when space is limited, which is why Parkinson's triangle may be a viable alternative in some cases. METHODS: We describe in a stepwise fashion the steps used to reconstruct a very large paraclinoid aneurysm. We first attempted to gain proximal control in the carotid cave and later in Parkinson's triangle because of limited manoeuvrability. CONCLUSION: Proximal control in Parkinson's triangle can be a safe alternative when the post-clinoidal segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is short and working space is limited in paraclinoid aneurysm microsurgical clip reconstruction.

Intra- and extradural anterior clinoidectomy: anatomy review and surgical technique step by step.

PURPOSE: The complex relations of the paraclinoid area make the surgical management of the pathology of this region a challenge. The anterior clinoid process (ACP) is an anatomical landmark that hinders the visualization and manipulation of the surrounding neurovascular structures, hence in certain surgical interventions might be necessary to remove it. We reviewed the anatomical relationships that involve the paraclinoid area and detailed the step-by-step techniques of intra and extradural clinoidectomy in cadaveric specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature review was done describing the most relevant anatomic relationships regarding the anterior clinoid process. Extradural and intradural clinoidectomy techniques were performed in six dry bone heads and in ten previously injected cadaverous specimens with colored latex (Sanan et al. in Neurosurgery 45:1267-1274, 1999) and each step of the procedure was recorded using photographic material. Finally, an analysis of the anatomical exposure achieved in each of the techniques used was performed. RESULTS: The main advantage of the intradural clinoidectomy technique is the direct visualization of the neurovascular structures adjacent to the ACP when drilling, at the same time, opening the Sylvian fissure will allow the direct visualization of the ACP variants. The main advantage offered by the extradural technique is that the dura protects adjacent eloquent structures while drilling. Among the disadvantages, it is noted that the same dura that would protect the underlying structures also prevents the direct visualization of these neurovascular structures adjacent to the ACP. CONCLUSION: We reviewed the anatomy of the paraclinoid area and made a step-by-step description of the technique of the anterior clinoidectomy in its intra- and extradural variants in cadaveric preparations for a better understanding.

Intradural "limited drill" technique of anterior clinoidectomy and optic canal unroofing for microneurosurgical management of ophthalmic segment and PCOM aneurysms-review of surgical results.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intradural "limited drill" technique (ILDT) of anterior clinoidectomy (AC) and optic canal unroofing (OCU) for microneurosurgical management of ophthalmic segment and posterior communicating artery (PCOM) aneurysms. All the patients with ophthalmic segment and PCOM aneurysms who underwent AC and OCU by ILDT for microneurosurgical management of ophthalmic segment and PCOM aneurysms during 4-year period (2013-2016) at our Institute were included in this study. In ILDT of AC and OCU, the use of power drill is restricted to AC only and OCU is done exclusively with 1-mm Kerrison punch. AC and OCU by ILDT were done in 24 patients with 29 ophthalmic segment and 7 PCOM aneurysms. AC and OCU by ILDT helped in mobilization of optic nerve/internal carotid artery (ICA) and provided excellent exposure for all these aneurysms. There was no injury to ICA or optic nerve during drilling. AC and OCU facilitated clip ligation of 34 of these aneurysms. Remaining 2 aneurysms were considered not suitable for clipping. Check angiogram done for 33 aneurysms revealed complete obliteration of 26 aneurysms, very small residual neck in 5 aneurysms, and small residual aneurysm in 2 aneurysms. Deterioration in vision was noted in 1 patient (4.1%). In 6 patients with preoperative visual deficits, significant improvement in vision was noted in 4 patients (4/6-66.6%) after surgery. Good outcome (MRS < 2) was noted in 91.6% (22/24) of these patients. ILDT is a safe and effective technique of AC and OCU which provide good exposure for ophthalmic segment and PCOM aneurysms.

Surgical clipping of a non-ruptured ophthalmic aneurysm through an extradural micropterional keyhole approach.

BACKGROUND: Clipping continues to be one of the treatment strategies for ophthalmic artery aneurysms not amenable for stenting or coiling, or when long-term treatment durability is a concern. However, crescent development of endovascular techniques demands minimal invasiveness in the transcranial approaches while ensuring satisfactory results. METHODS: We describe an extradural micropterional keyhole approach (eMKA) to the paraclinoid region and highlight the key anatomical elements of this surgical approach. CONCLUSION: The eMKA is a minimally invasive approach that provides access to the paraclinoid region using an extradural corridor. Therefore, it is suitable for clipping of ophthalmic artery aneurysms and other paraclinoid aneurysms.

Extent of anterior clinoidectomy for clipping of carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms predicted on three-dimensional computerised tomography angiography.

AIM OF STUDY: We aimed to verify the value of computerised tomography angiography (CTA) on predicting the extent of anterior clinoidectomy that is optimal for particular carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms (COAs). CLINICAL RATIONALE FOR STUDY: The anterior clinoid process (ACP) often impedes the complex microsurgery of COA. Complete removal of the ACP ensures safe clipping; however, it also may increase the risk of severe complications. The probability of performing a successful partial anterior clinoidectomy could be evaluated by preoperative CTA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 28 patients with either a ruptured (n=4) or unruptured COA were included in this prospective, single-centre, observational study. One aneurysm was giant, two were large, and the rest were smaller. Successful aneurysm clipping was the aim in all cases. The anterior clinoidectomy was preoperatively planned on multiplanar three-dimensional reconstructions of CTA images (3D-CTA) which resembled the typical view of a frontotemporal craniotomy. Finally, the predicted clinoidectomy was compared to the extent of the actual clinoidectomy. RESULTS: 21 aneurysms (75%) projected superolateral or superior. The ACP was completely and selectively resected in 25% (7 of 28) and 67.9% of patients (19 of 28) respectively. Optic nerve (ON) unroofing was always performed in the case of total anterior clinoidectomy, but accompanied only 8 of 19 selective clinoidectomies (p = 0.03). The extent of the actual clinoidectomy was predicted by the 3D-CTA-based preoperative planning in 17 of 27 cases (63.0%). Particularly, prediction of the osteotomy was correct in 85.7% of complete, 62.5% of selective lateral, and 57.1% of medial clinoidectomy. None of the radiological and clinical factors determined the correlation between the planned and the actual extent of ACP removal. There was one incomplete occlusion among 23 obtained follow-up CTAs. CONCLUSIONS: The predictive value of 3D-CTA on the extent of anterior clinoidectomy still remains unsatisfactory; it is limited by the individual variability of COA and its surrounding structures. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Currently, the role of 3D-CTA planning is restricted to educational purposes only.

A literature review concerning contralateral approaches to paraclinoid internal carotid artery aneurysms.

Ipsilateral approaches remain the standard technique for clipping paraclinoid aneurysms. Surgeons must however be prepared to deal with bony and neural structures restricting accessibility. The application of a contralateral approach has been proposed claiming that some structures in the region can be better exposed from this side. Yet, only few case series have been published evaluating this approach, and there is a lack of systematic reviews assessing its specific advantages and disadvantages. We performed a structured literature search and identified 19 relevant publications summarizing 138 paraclinoid aneurysms operated via a contralateral approach. Patient's age ranged from 19 to 79 years. Aneurysm size mainly varied between 2 and 10 mm and only three articles reported larger aneurysms. Most aneurysms were located at the origin of the ophthalmic artery, followed by the superior hypophyseal artery and carotid cave. All aneurysm protruded from the medial aspect of the carotid artery. Interestingly, minimal or even no optic nerve mobilization was required during exposure from the contralateral side. Strategies to achieve proximal control of the carotid artery were balloon occlusion and clinoid segment or cervical carotid exposure. Successful aneurysm occlusion was achieved in 135 cases, while 3 ophthalmic aneurysms had to be wrapped only. Complications including visual deterioration, CSF fistula, wound infection, vasospasm, artery dissection, infarction, and anosmia occurred in a low percentage of cases. We conclude that a contralateral approach can be effective and should be considered for clipping carefully selected cases of unruptured aneurysms arising from medial aspects of the above listed vessels.

Early and midterm results of treatment of giant internal carotid artery paraclinoid aneurysms with trapping and flow diverters.

BACKGROUND: Flow diverter devices (FDD) carry risks of postoperative complications when treating aneurysms with wide necks, stenosis, and severe tortuosity of the parent vessel. In this study, we evaluated early and midterm results for the treatment of giant paraclinoid aneurysms managed by trapping and endovascular deployment of FDD. METHODS: Medical records were analyzed for patients with giant paraclinoid aneurysms treated between July 2008 and December 2017 at National Centre for Neurosurgery with either a flow diverter or by trapping the aneurysm with or without extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass surgery. We recorded age, sex, clinical presentation, treatment modality, morbidity, and mortality. Clinical outcomes were assessed using a modified Rankin scale (mRS). RESULTS: Among 29 consecutive patients, 13 were treated with FDD, and 16 patients were managed by trapping the aneurysm, where 7/16 cases had preliminary EC-IC bypass. Of 16 trapping patients, six were trapped endovascularly and ten were trapped surgically. During the follow-up period (mean 33 months, range 6-96), total exclusion of the aneurysm from the circulation was observed 100% of aneurysms in the trapping group and 84.6% in the FDD group (P = 0.192). Early postoperative morbidity was observed in three (23%) cases in the FDD group, and four (25%) in trapping group (P = 0.525). The FDD group had one (7.7%) fatal complication due to stent occlusion and severe ischemic stroke after three months postoperatively, despite appropriate antiplatelet therapy. There were no mortalities in the trapping group (P = 0.149). The rate of mRS 0-2 did not differ significantly across groups at discharge (81.3% vs. 69.2%; P = 0.667), and all patients had mRS 0-2 at follow-up (P = 1.000). CONCLUSIONS: FDD deployment for giant paraclinoid aneurysms results in comparable angiographic and clinical outcomes to aneurysm trapping. Despite implementation of modern endovascular treatment methods, aneurysm trapping remains a valuable treatment option in carefully selected patients with giant paraclinoid aneurysms.

Modified Extradural Temporopolar Approach for Paraclinoid Aneurysms: Operative Nuance and Surgical Result.

BACKGROUND: Extradural temporopolar approach can provide extensive exposure of the anterior clinoid process, which can prevent intraoperative neurovascular injury in anterior clinoidectomy for paraclinoid aneurysms. The present study investigates the usefulness of this modified technique, and operative nuances are discussed here. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of 30 consecutive patients with paraclinoid aneurysms who underwent treatment with this modified extradural temporopolar approach between September 2009 and March 2016. RESULTS: Worsening of visual acuity was documented postoperatively in three patients (10.0%), and visual field function worsened in three patients (10.0%). Postoperative outcome was good recovery in all patients. No operation-related mortality occurred in the series. CONCLUSION: Extradural anterior clinoidectomy via the modified extradural temporopolar approach is safe and may be recommended for surgical treatment of paraclinoid aneurysms to reduce the risk of intraoperative optic neurovascular injury.

Extradural Anterior Clinoidectomy and Optic Canal Unroofing for Paraclinoid and Basilar Aneurysms: Usefulness of a No-Drill Instrumental Method.

The authors describe extradural anterior clinoidectomy without the use of a high-speed drill or ultrasonic device to clip paraclinoid and basilar aneurysms, which can eliminate potential complications related to traditional power drilling or ultrasonic device use. This method involves four steps: (1) partial osteotomy of the sphenoid wing at the superior orbital fissure (SOF); (2) peeling of the dura propria of the temporal lobe from the inner cavernous membrane of the SOF; (3) isolation and resection of the exposed meningo-orbital band to expose the superolateral aspect of the anterior clinoid process (ACP); and (4) piecemeal rongeuring of ACP and the roof of the optic canal. The entire procedure was performed using surgical instruments, including micro-rongeurs, a fine Kerrison punch, and micro-dissectors. Subsequently, intradural neck clipping was performed. Twenty consecutive patients with paraclinoid and basilar aneurysms successfully underwent clipping after this non-drill extradural clinoidectomy. Minor morbidity was noted in two patients (cerebrospinal fluid leakage in one and transient oculomotor palsy in the other). The non-drill method is a simple, easy, safe, and quick alternative to traditional power drilling in extradural clinoidectomy, and this method can avoid morbidity related to direct mechanical/thermal injury of important neurovascular structures.

[Clipping of paraclinoid aneurysms associated with multiple and bilateral aneurysms through contralateral pterional approach].

Objective: To investigate the minimally invasive techniques and the indication of paraclinoid aneurysms associated with other aneurysms' clipping via the contralateral approach. Methods: From January 2011 to January 2015, 9 paraclinoid aneurysms associated with other aneurysms were clipped via contralateral approach at the Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital.The records of these patients were analyzed retrospectively to review the clinical outcome and surgical skills. Results: A total of 20 multiple bilateral aneurysms (9 of contralateral paraclinoid aneurysms, 4 of ICA aneurysms, 4 of posterior communicating artery aneurysms, 2 of anterior communicating artery aneurysms and 1 of anterior cerebral artery aneurysm) from 9 patients were clipped successfully through a unilateral pterional craniotomy.All patients with paraclinoid aneurysms who underwent surgery through contralateral approach showed a good recovery.Postoperative digital subtraction angiography or computerized tomography angiography did not show any residual aneurysm.One patients had ipsilateral olfactory nerve injury during operation.One had cerebral ischemia after surgery, and other patients discharged uneventfully.Of the 1 patients with preoperative visual symptoms showed an improvement. No visual function impairment was observed among others. Conclusions: The contralateral approach remains a safe and reliable treatment option for medial directed paraclinoid aneurysms and those associated with bilateral intracranial aneurysms.For bilateral multiple aneurysms associated this kind of paraclinoid aneurysms, consideration may be given to clipping all aneurysms with the contralateral approach.

Vision outcomes in patients with paraclinoid aneurysms treated with clipping, coiling, or flow diversion: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE Patients with paraclinoid aneurysms commonly present with visual impairment. They have traditionally been treated with clipping or coiling, but flow diversion (FD) has recently been introduced as an alternative treatment modality. Although there is still initial aneurysm thrombosis, FD is hypothesized to reduce mass effect, which may decompress the optic nerve when treating patients with visually symptomatic paraclinoid aneurysms. The authors performed a meta-analysis to compare vision outcomes following clipping, coiling, or FD of paraclinoid aneurysms in patients who presented with visual impairment. METHODS A systematic literature review was performed using the PubMed and Web of Science databases. Studies published in English between 1980 and 2016 were included if they reported preoperative and postoperative visual function in at least 5 patients with visually symptomatic paraclinoid aneurysms (cavernous segment through ophthalmic segment) treated with clipping, coiling, or FD. Neuroophthalmological assessment was used when reported, but subjective patient reports or objective visual examination findings were also acceptable. RESULTS Thirty-nine studies that included a total of 2458 patients (520 of whom presented with visual symptoms) met the inclusion criteria, including 307 visually symptomatic cases treated with clipping (mean follow-up 26 months), 149 treated with coiling (mean follow-up 17 months), and 64 treated with FD (mean follow-up 11 months). Postoperative vision in these patients was classified as improved, unchanged, or worsened compared with preoperative vision. A pooled analysis showed preoperative visual symptoms in 38% (95% CI 28%-50%) of patients with paraclinoid aneurysms. The authors found that vision improved in 58% (95% CI 48%-68%) of patients after clipping, 49% (95% CI 38%-59%) after coiling, and 71% (95% CI 55%-84%) after FD. Vision worsened in 11% (95% CI 7%-17%) of patients after clipping, 9% (95% CI 2%-18%) after coiling, and 5% (95% CI 0%-20%) after FD. New visual deficits were found in patients with intact baseline vision at a rate of 1% (95% CI 0%-3%) for clipping, 0% (95% CI 0%-2%) for coiling, and 0% (95% CI 0%-2%) for FD. CONCLUSIONS To the authors' knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis to assess vision outcomes after treatment for paraclinoid aneurysms. The authors found that 38% of patients with these aneurysms presented with visual impairment. These data also demonstrated a high rate of visual improvement after FD without a significant difference in the rate of worsened vision or iatrogenic visual impairment compared with clipping and coiling. These findings suggest that FD is an effective option for treatment of visually symptomatic paraclinoid aneurysms.

Clipping Surgery for Paraclinoid Carotid Aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Paraclinoid carotid aneurysm is widely treated with coil embolization. However, all paraclinoid carotid aneurysms cannot be obliterated by the endovascular approach. METHODS: Our direct surgical procedure was presented. The clinical data of surgically treated paraclinoid carotid aneurysms were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: One hundred ninety paraclinoid carotid aneurysms in 181 patients were directly obliterated at the Shinshu University Hospital and its affiliated hospitals between 1991 and 2013. CONCLUSIONS: Direct surgical repair of the paraclinoid carotid aneurysm is still useful, even in the era of endovascular treatment.