Level-3 Pretemporal Transcavernous Approach to Clip a Low-Lying Basilar Tip Aneurysm

Basilar artery aneurysms (BAA), though relatively rare, are critical lesions due to their location and potential for catastrophic outcomes if ruptured. The Level 3 pretemporal transcavernous approach has emerged as a valuable surgical technique for the clipping of BAA, especially those that are low-lying. In this video, we present a case of a ruptured low-lying basilar tip aneurysm which was clipped using a Level 3 pretemporal transcavernous approach. A 60-year-old woman presented with modified Hunt and Hess grade IV subarachnoid hemorrhage. Computed tomography angiography showed a low-lying basilar tip aneurysm. The patient underwent a frontotemporal craniotomy, Level 3 pretemporal transcavernous approach, and clipping of the aneurysms. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was independent functionally at 3-month follow-up. Level 3 pretemporal transcavernous approach is a valuable surgical technique for clipping of low-lying basilar tip aneurysms.