title: Transvenous Embolization of the Basilar Plexus Before Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Transclival Surgery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The endoscopic transclival approach is a method for reaching the anterior side of the brainstem. In making this approach, bleeding from the basilar plexus is often observed when cutting the dura overlying the clivus. Controlling such bleeding is essential.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a transvenous embolization of the basilar plexus before making the transclival approach. After embolization, bleeding from the basilar plexus during the operation decreased considerably.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To our knowledge, this is the first report of transvenous embolization of the basilar plexus. If the basilar plexus is well developed on preoperative computed tomographic venography or digital subtraction angiography, this procedure is useful for controlling bleeding during endoscopic transclival surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjukuku, Tokyo, Japan. Electronic address: katsu512@yahoo.co.jp.
authors.forename: Katsuhiro
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mizutani
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjukuku, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Takenori
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Akiyama
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjukuku, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Masahiro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Toda
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjukuku, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Tokunori
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kanazawa
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjukuku, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Dai
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kamamoto
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjukuku, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Kazunari
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yoshida
mesh_terms: D001488:Basilar Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D020295:Brain Stem Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D003388:Cranial Fossa, Posterior / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D044583:Neuroendoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D013100:Sphenoid Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: Basilar plexus; Embolization; Endoscopic skull base surgery; Transclival approach