Excimer laser-assisted nonocclusive anastomosis. An emerging technology for use in the creation of intracranial-intracranial and extracranial-intracranial cerebral bypass.
Excimer laser-assisted nonocclusive anastomosis (ELANA) has been developed over the past 14 years for assistance in the creation of intracranial bypasses. The ELANA technique allows the creation of intracranial-intracranial and extracranial-intracranial bypasses without the need for temporary occlusion of the recipient artery, avoiding the inherent risk associated with occlusion time. In this review the authors discuss the technique and its indications, while reviewing the clinical results of the procedure. The technique itself is explained using cartoon drawings and intraoperative photographs. Advantages and disadvantages of the technique are also discussed.
Langer
David J
DJ
Albert Einstein College of Medicine and The Roosevelt Hospital, New York, New York 10128, USA. dlanger@chpnet.org
Van Der Zwan
Albert
A
Vajkoczy
Peter
P
Kivipelto
Leena
L
Van Doormaal
Tristan P
TP
Tulleken
Cornelis A F
CA
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D016342:Angioplasty, Laser; D002548:Cerebral Revascularization / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D054018:Lasers, Excimer