Bonnet bypass in multiple cerebrovascular occlusive disease

Abstract

The rationale and technique of the bonnet bypass procedure is discussed in two cases of multiple cerebrovascular occlusive disease. METHOD: Cerebral revascularization was achieved using respectively a radial artery interposition graft and a brachiocephalic vein interposition graft to connect the contralateral STA with a cortical branch of the ipsilateral MCA. FINDINGS: This alternate bypass technique proved to be an effective means of cerebral revascularization in selected cases where ipsilateral extracranial donor vessels were unavailable for classic STA-MCA bypass surgery. CONCLUSION: Clinical and hemodynamic improvement can be achieved by a bonnet bypass in selected cases of multiple cerebrovascular occlusive disease. In addition to its previously described role in skull base tumor surgery, the procedure should therefore earn consideration in the treatment of cerebral ischemia and stroke prevention.