Seven Microaneurysms: Description of an Experimental Rodent Model for Neurovascular Training.

AIM: To demonstrate the microsurgical procedures, and to evaluate the feasibility of living models of experimental neurovascular training by developing new complex vascular exercises mimicking the most common intracranial aneurysms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The procedures were performed under a Zeiss (OPMI pico f170) microscope using basic microsurgery instruments, 10/0 Nylon and blue Polypropylene micro-sutures. We selected adult albino Wistar rats weighing between 258 and 471g each. Seven different aneurysm types were created using carotid, jugular, cava, aorta and femoral vessels. RESULTS: Seven types of aneurysm were designed and created in the rat with a high-medium successful rate. There are differences in terms of realism and the difficulty of performance, according to the different types: lateral wall, bifurcation, top of the basilar, fusiform, fusiform + involved branch, Anterior Communicating Artery (ACoA) and giant. The steps and technical issues to produce these exercises are described. CONCLUSION: We show the feasibility of creating several types of aneurysm using different vessels in a rodent model. Training on these models help to improve microsurgical skills, allowing safe practice for neurosurgeons in all stages of their career.

Management of a ruptured intraventricular aneurysm arising from distal anterior choroidal artery (AChA): pediatric case report.

Intracranial aneurysms arising from the distal anterior choroidal artery (AChA) are uncommon entities, with less than 30 cases reported. A 4-year-old boy was admitted to the Emergency Department with a sudden onset of severe headache and vomiting. CT scan of the head showed signs of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Cerebral angiography revealed a right AChA aneurysm arising from a distal intraventricular branch with an associated microarteriovenous malformation (microAVM). Following a multidisciplinary assessment, the patient underwent surgical clipping. An ipsilateral transcortical transparietal approach was utilized. Early postoperative deficits were not found, and good clinical and radiological outcomes were assessed at long-term follow-up. Postoperative cerebral angiography showed complete exclusion and resection of both aneurysm and AVM. Surgery for intracranial aneurysms in this location can be challenging; however, good surgical and neurological outcomes can be achieved. The present work highlights the value of multidisciplinary assessment in the decision-making process in complex pediatric neurovascular pathology, especially when facing rare cases like this one, which represents the youngest case of a ruptured distal AChA aneurysm reported in the literature.