Transdural Indocyanine Green Videography for Superficial Temporal Artery–to–Middle Cerebral Artery Bypass—Technical Note

Background Neurosurgical application of indocyanine green (ICG) videography before performing a dural opening, known as transdural ICG videography, has been used during surgery of meningiomas associated with venous sinuses as well as cranial and spinal arteriovenous malformations. However, its use for a superficial temporal artery (STA)–to–middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass has not been reported. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of medical records of patients who underwent transdural ICG videography during STA-MCA bypass performed between January 2012 and March 2015. The primary outcome was visualization of recipient cortical arteries; secondary outcomes were surgical modifications and complications as well as any adverse events associated with transdural ICG videography. Results We analyzed 29 STA-MCA bypass procedures performed in 30 hemispheres with atherosclerotic steno-occlusive disease and found that the proper recipient was identified in 28 hemispheres. Subsequently modified procedures for those were a tailored dural incision and craniotomy correction. No complications associated with ICG administration were encountered; during the postoperative course, transient aphasia was noted in 1 case, chronic subdural hematoma was noted in 1 case, and subdural effusion was noted in 2 cases. Conclusions Transdural ICG videography for atherosclerotic steno-occlusive disease facilitates modifications during STA-MCA bypass procedures. Recognition of the proper recipient cortical arteries before a dural incision allows the neurosurgeon to perform a tailored dural incision and extension of the bone window, although the contribution to surgical outcome has yet to be determined.