ABSTRACT
We evaluated the use of a bypass between the middle meningeal artery (MMA) and P2
segment of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) as an alternative to an external carotid
artery (ECA-to-PCA) anastomosis. Five adult cadaveric heads (10 sides) were used.
After a temporal craniotomy and zygomatic arch osteotomy were performed, the dura
of the floor of the middle cranial fossa was separated and elevated. The MMA was dissected
away from the dura until the foramen spinosum was reached. Intradurally, the carotid
and sylvian cisterns were opened. After the temporal lobe was retracted, the interpeduncular
and ambient cisterns were opened and the P2 segment of the PCA was exposed. The MMA
trunk was transsected just before the bifurcation of its anterior and posterior branches
where it passes inside the dura and over the foramen spinosum. It was anastomosed
end to side with the P2 segment of the PCA. The mean caliber of the MMA trunk before
its bifurcation was 2.1 ± 0.25 mm, and the mean caliber of the P2 was 2.2 ± 0.2 mm.
The mean length of the MMA used to perform the bypass was 32 ± 4.1 mm, and the mean
length of the MMA trunk was 39.5 ± 4.4 mm. This bypass procedure is simpler to perform
than an ECA-to-P2 revascularization using long grafts. The caliber and length of the
MMA trunk are suitable to provide sufficient blood flow. Furthermore, the course of
the bypass is straight.
KEYWORDS
Artery graft - bypass - middle meningeal artery - posterior cerebral artery
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Cagatay Han UlkuM.D.
Selcuk University School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Meram 42080, Konya, Turkey
Email: chanulku@yahoo.com