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Carotid artery revascularization following Crutchfield clamp placement. Report of two cases
G A Helm1, N E Simmons, C G diPierro
1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville.
Insights
Crutchfield clamps used for intracranial aneurysms can lead to late revascularization, causing continued aneurysm filling. Long-term monitoring of patients with these clamps is recommended to prevent complications.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Vascular Surgery
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Adjustable clamps are used to occlude the carotid artery for intracranial vascular lesions.
- Many patients retain these clamps long-term without adequate follow-up.
- Crutchfield clamps are one type of adjustable clamp used in these procedures.
Abstract:
Several types of adjustable clamp have been widely utilized to gradually occlude the carotid artery for the treatment of various intracranial vascular lesions. A fairly large number of patients, many of whom have not been adequately followed, have these clamps still in place. The authors report two patients, initially treated with a Crutchfield clamp for an intracranial aneurysm, in whom carotid artery system revascularization occurred through the clamp many years later, leading to continued filling of the aneurysm. Recommendations are given on monitoring patients with Crutchfield clamps in order to minimize long-term complications.