Petrous carotid-to-intradural carotid saphenous vein graft for intracavernous giant aneurysm, tumor, and occlusive cerebrovascular disease

In the management of cavernous sinus aneurysms, cavernous sinus tumor, and cavernous internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis, a direct arterial bypass around the pathology may be required. A series of 18 patients is presented in whom a petrous ICA to subarachnoid ICA saphenous vein bypass procedure was performed. The advantages of a short large-caliber venous graft entirely within the skull account for the high patency rate (17 of 18 patients) in this series. This vascular bypass can be recommended in the management of patients whose intracavernous ICA must be sacrificed.