Novel Use of Robotically Harvested Internal Thoracic Artery in High-Flow Cerebral Bypass

Mesenchymal tumors of the head and neck can lead to tumor-induced osteopeni, necessitating a biochemical cure to alleviate associated symptoms. We present a case of a 40-year-old man who presented with diffuse pain and wheelchair dependency secondary to a skull base mesenchymal tumor producing tumor-induced osteopeni. The tumor involved the cavernous sinus, infratemporal fossa, and middle cranial fossa. The patient failed the balloon occlusion test. Additionally, the patient consented to the procedure. Cerebral revascularization was performed using a robotically harvested internal thoracic artery because of the patient's short radial arteries and history of chronic superficial and deep vein thrombosis. After the common carotid artery-internal thoracic artery-M2 bypass, the patient underwent endovascular embolization of the external carotid artery feeders and occlusion of the cavernous external carotid artery. Several days later, the patient underwent a gross total resection via endoscopic assisted microsurgery. The residual biochemical disease was then addressed via supplemental radiosurgery. The patient's clinical outcome was favorable, with regained ambulatory function and resolution of initial symptoms. Unfortunately, he developed left optic neuropathy due to the embolization of the external carotid artery feeders.