Extracranial-intracranial revascularization is a
procedure performed through the skull to bypass the carotid or vertebral artery
or bypass an occluded intracranial, vertebral, or carotid artery that has
caused a stroke. A superficial temporal artery is a common donor artery.
Also
Known As:
- EC-IC bypass
- Craniotomy
for extracranial-intracranial revascularization
- Brain surgery
- Skull surgery
- Carotid
surgery
- Vertebral
artery surgery
Conditions
Treated with Extracranial-Intracranial Revascularization:
Extracranial-intracranial revascularization is used
in cases of stenosis or occlusion of the carotid, cerebral, vertebral or
basilar artery, as well as stroke, transient ischemic attack and Moyamoya
disease.
There are no comparable non-surgical alternatives to
extracranial-intracranial revascularization. Intracranial endarterectomy is a
surgical alternative to the procedure.
Anesthesia
with Extracranial-Intracranial Revascularization:
Extracranial-intracranial revascularization is
performed under general anesthesia, which means that the patient is asleep and
completely unaware during the procedure.
Potential
Complications from Extracranial-Intracranial Revascularization:
Possible risks following extracranial-intracranial
revascularization include stroke, coma, infection, brain swelling, hemorrhage,
seizures and a negative reaction to the anesthesia. It is also possible to
experience cerebral vasospasm and permanent brain damage.
Recovery
from Extracranial-Intracranial Revascularization:
Total recovery from extracranial-intracranial
revascularization takes one to four weeks, or longer.