[Clipping of paraclinoid aneurysms associated with multiple and bilateral aneurysms through contralateral pterional...

Objective: To investigate the minimally invasive techniques and the indication of paraclinoid aneurysms associated with other aneurysms' clipping via the contralateral approach. Methods: From January 2011 to January 2015, 9 paraclinoid aneurysms associated with other aneurysms were clipped via contralateral approach at the Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital.The records of these patients were analyzed retrospectively to review the clinical outcome and surgical skills. Results: A total of 20 multiple bilateral aneurysms (9 of contralateral paraclinoid aneurysms, 4 of ICA aneurysms, 4 of posterior communicating artery aneurysms, 2 of anterior communicating artery aneurysms and 1 of anterior cerebral artery aneurysm) from 9 patients were clipped successfully through a unilateral pterional craniotomy.All patients with paraclinoid aneurysms who underwent surgery through contralateral approach showed a good recovery.Postoperative digital subtraction angiography or computerized tomography angiography did not show any residual aneurysm.One patients had ipsilateral olfactory nerve injury during operation.One had cerebral ischemia after surgery, and other patients discharged uneventfully.Of the 1 patients with preoperative visual symptoms showed an improvement. No visual function impairment was observed among others. Conclusions: The contralateral approach remains a safe and reliable treatment option for medial directed paraclinoid aneurysms and those associated with bilateral intracranial aneurysms.For bilateral multiple aneurysms associated this kind of paraclinoid aneurysms, consideration may be given to clipping all aneurysms with the contralateral approach.