Temporary and permanent occlusion of cerebral arteries: indications and techniques

Permanent occlusion of the carotid and vertebral arteries has long been used as a treatment for certain aneurysms, tumors, arteriovenous fistulae, and traumatic injuries. Temporary occlusion of these vessels often is used to predict patient tolerance before permanent vessel occlusion. When inadvertent arterial occlusion or injury is considered to be a significant risk of an open or endovascular surgical procedure, temporary arterial occlusion may be used to assess tolerance for permanent occlusion. The results of temporary arterial occlusion testing are often used to determine the need and type of bypass graft to augment cerebral blood flow. Temporary arterial occlusion also may be used to arrest proximal blood flow during open or endovascular surgery.