STA-MCA Anastomosis: Detailed Analysis of Pre- and Postoperative Angiography

Abstract

Adequate evaluation of the need for an extra-intracranial bypass procedure requires a complete preoperative analysis of the vascular status of the patient. Likewise a determination of the efficacy of the procedure necessitates an understanding of the postoperative appearance and change over time of both the surgical anastomotic circuit and the intracranial circulation. The purpose of this study is to record and analyze the angiographic findings both pre- and postoperatively in a large number of patients undergoing superficial temporal (STA) to middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass. In particular, serial postoperative studies in this large group allow an understanding of the progressive changes that take place in both the bypass circuit and the intracranial circulation.