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Updated: Mar 7, 2026

Minimally Invasive Thumb-sized Pterional Craniotomy for Surgical Clip Ligation of Unruptured Anterior Circulation Aneurysms
Published on: August 11, 2015
History, Evolution, and Continuing Innovations of Intracranial Aneurysm Surgery
Leon T Lai1, Anthea H O'Neill2
1Department of Neurosurgery, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Surgery, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash Neurovascular Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Abstract:
Evolution in the surgical treatment of intracranial aneurysms is driven by the need to refine and innovate. From an early application of the Hunterian carotid ligation to modern-day sophisticated aneurysm clip designs, progress has been made through dedication and technical maturation of cerebrovascular neurosurgeons to overcome challenges in their practices. The global expansion of endovascular services has challenged the existence of aneurysm surgery, changing the complexity of the aneurysm case mix and volume that are referred for surgical repair. Concepts of how to best treat intracranial aneurysms have evolved over generations and will continue to do so with further technological innovations. As with the evolution of any type of surgery, innovations frequently arise from the criticism of current techniques.
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Sutures of the Skull
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