Three-Vessel Anastomosis for Direct Bihemispheric Cerebral Revascularization

In rare, complex cerebrovascular pathologies, patients may benefit from simultaneous revascularization of multiple arterial territories. Traditional strategies for these situations include the use of more than 1 interposition graft, multiple microvascular anastomoses, vessel reimplantations, and staged procedures.

To improve upon traditional revascularization strategies by describing a novel 3-vessel microvascular anastomosis. This technique combines a side-to-side and an end-to-side anastomoses to facilitate simultaneous direct revascularization of 2 arterial territories in a single procedure, with a single donor vessel.

We present an illustrative case of moyamoya angiopathy in which a 3-vessel anastomosis was performed in the interhemispheric fissure to simultaneously directly revascularize bilateral anterior cerebral artery (ACA) territories. A detailed step-by-step depiction of the anastomosis technique is provided. In the presented case, 3-vessel anastomosis was combined with a radial artery fascial flow-through free flap, allowing for an additional indirect revascularization.

Technical execution of the 3-vessel anastomosis was uncomplicated. The patency of the anastomosis providing direct bilateral ACA territory revascularization was demonstrated intra- and postoperatively.

With this report, we demonstrate technical feasibility of a novel 3-vessel anastomosis for direct 2 arterial territory revascularization This single-stage approach combines side-to-side and end-to-side techniques and has benefits over traditional revascularization techniques, as it is not deconstructive, requires only a single craniotomy and a single interposition graft, and does not require lengthy recipient artery dissection.