Cerebral Bypass for Aneurysms in the Era of Flow Diversion: Single-Surgeon Case Series

With recent advances in endovascular treatments of brain aneurysms such as flow diverters, the role of cerebral revascularization needs to be re-evaluated.

To evaluate the contemporary indications and outcomes of cerebral revascularization for brain aneurysms.

A retrospective evaluation of a prospectively maintained database was performed to review clinical and imaging data of all the patients who underwent cerebral revascularization for brain aneurysms over the past 10 yr.

Among 174 cerebral revascularizations, 40 (in 36 patients) were done for the treatment of aneurysms. In total, 9 patients underwent combined endovascular treatment and surgical revascularization. Immediate aneurysm occlusion was achieved in 30 patients (83.3%). Immediate postoperative bypass patency was confirmed in 33 patients (92%). Postoperative neurological deficit was observed in 4 patients (11.1%). There were 2 mortalities in the postoperative period. Aneurysm total occlusion rate was 91% at 1 yr. Thirty patients had 1 yr clinical and radiological follow-up. Clinical evaluations showed modified Rankin Scale 2 or less in 25 patients at 1 yr. Bypass patency was confirmed in 27 (90%). Patients with fair/poor outcome were all in the subarachnoid hemorrhage group. Twenty-one patients had follow-up studies for 3 yr or beyond with no evidence of stroke or aneurysm recurrence.

Our results support that cerebral revascularization can be regarded as a viable and durable treatment option for these challenging aneurysms with acceptable morbidity. Cerebral bypass should be offered in selected cases where standard endovascular or surgical treatment is not efficacious or curative.