A technique for safe resection of extensive tumours associated with the extracranial internal carotid artery

Resection of tumours associated with the extracranial internal carotid artery such as carotid body tumours and paraganglionomas carry a hazard of stroke which might occur from temporary clamping of the artery to obtain better control, or from inadvertent damage to the artery which requires ligation. Some extensive tumours have been deemed unresectable because of their extent. Intracranial extension is a further technical challenge. We describe a technique for safe resection of such tumours employing an outlying Pruitt Inihara shunt. During resection of the tumour the shunt allows safe dissection because the internal carotid artery is rendered relatively bloodless. Further, any damage to the artery can be safely repaired, and indeed if necessary the artery itself can be resected and grafted. We have employed this technique in 3 difficult case of paraganglionoma (1) and carotid body tumour (2) whilst at the same time resecting 8 other simple cases without the need for such a technique.