Automated, compliant, high-flow common carotid to middle cerebral artery bypass

J Neurosurg. 2008 Sep;109(3):559-64. doi: 10.3171/JNS/2008/109/9/0559.

Abstract

The authors describe the use of the Cardica C-Port xA Distal Anastomosis System to perform an automated, high-flow extracranial-intracranial bypass. The C-Port system has been developed and tested in coronary artery bypass surgery for rapid distal coronary artery anastomoses. Air-powered, it performs an automated end-to-side anastomosis within seconds by nearly simultaneously making an arteriotomy and inserting 13 microclips into the graft and recipient vessel. Intracranial use of the device was first simulated in a cadaver prepared for microsurgical anatomical dissection. The authors used this system in a 43-year-old man who sustained a subarachnoid hemorrhage after being assaulted and was found to have a traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the proximal intracranial internal carotid artery. The aneurysm appeared to be enlarging on serial imaging studies and it was anticipated that a bypass would probably be needed to treat the lesion. An end-to-side bypass was performed with the C-Port system using a saphenous vein conduit extending from the common carotid artery to the middle cerebral artery. The bypass was demonstrated to be patent on intraoperative and postoperative arteriography. The patient had a temporary hyperperfusion syndrome and subsequently made a good neurological recovery. The C-Port system facilitates the performance of a high-flow extracranial-intracranial bypass with short periods of temporary arterial occlusion. Because of the size and configuration of the device, its use is not feasible in all anatomical situations that require a high-flow bypass; however it is a useful addition to the armamentarium of the neurovascular surgeon.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anastomosis, Surgical / instrumentation
  • Aneurysm, False / diagnostic imaging
  • Aneurysm, False / surgery*
  • Cerebral Revascularization / instrumentation*
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / diagnostic imaging
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / surgery*
  • Male
  • Radiography
  • Suture Techniques