Occipital artery-to-PICA bypass: how I do it

Abstract

Background: Posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms are uncommon, and their management is challenging because of the complex angioarchitecture of the PICA and the frequently nonsaccular aneurysm presentation. Endovascular therapy may not be feasible.

Methods: We describe our technique of clip trapping with occipital artery (OA)-to-PICA bypass to treat a PICA aneurysm. Because the aneurysm affected the ipsilateral, dominant PICA, an OA-PICA bypass was chosen to ensure adequate flow and reduce risk to the contralateral PICA supply.

Conclusion: The OA-PICA anastomosis is a safe and effective method to successfully achieve flow preservation with bypass reconstruction and aneurysm trapping.

Keywords: Aneurysm trapping; Bypass revascularization; Endovascular treatment; Intracranial aneurysms; Occipital artery; Posterior inferior cerebellar artery.