Mobilization of the internal carotid artery for basilar artery aneurysm surgery

The authors describe a technique for mobilization of the internal carotid artery (ICA) for basilar artery (BA) aneurysm surgery. Using the epidural approach, the anterior clinoid process, orbital roof, and optic canal are drilled away. The ICA is made mobile to the C3 segment by cutting the dural ring and dissecting the ICA from the carotid groove. The ophthalmic artery is then dissected from the optic canal. This mobilization of the ICA secures wide operative fields on both its medial and lateral sides and permits complete clipping of BA aneurysms.