Contralateral approach to carotid cave aneurysms

Background. To evaluate the surgical approach and clipping of aneurysms loc ated at the carotid cave region. Method. Between 1980 and 1998 we have adopted the well known ipsilateral ap proach for exposure and securing of carotid cave aneurysms. In four patient s, we had the opportunity to use a contralateral approach to carotid cave a neurysms, with easier dissection and application of a simple aneurysmal cli p. The visual acuity of the patients did not deteriorate from the pre-opera tive level. Finding and Interpretation. Aneurysms located at the carotid cave region ma y be approached easily and safely through a contralateral craniotomy with a pplication of the aneurysm clip from an angle medial and inferior to the op tic nerve.