title: Technical nuances of subtemporal approach for the treatment of basilar tip aneurysm.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Basilar tip aneurysms are one of the most complex vascular lesions to treat surgically because of their location, depth of the approach, and close proximity of vital neurovascular structures such as the mesencephalon, cranial nerves, perforating arteries to the thalamus. There are different surgical approaches utilized to reach basilar tip aneurysms, namely, pterional, pretemporal, orbitozygomatic, subtemporal, and anterior petrosectomy. Each of them has its advantages and limitations.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this paper, we present our personal experience with the use of subtemporal approach. The technique is described in detail including its nuances and potential pitfalls.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The subtemporal approach is indicated for basilar tip aneurysms located at the level of the floor of the sella turcica to 1 cm above the dorsum sellae.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Subtemporal approach offers good surgical corridor for the management of these complex vascular lesions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Tokuda Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria.
authors.forename: Vladimir S
authors.initials: VS
authors.lastname: Nakov
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Tokuda Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria.
authors.forename: Toma Y
authors.initials: TY
authors.lastname: Spiriev
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Military Medical Academy, Sofia, Bulgaria.
authors.forename: Ivan T
authors.initials: IT
authors.lastname: Todorov
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Military Medical Academy, Sofia, Bulgaria.
authors.forename: Plamen
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Simeonov
keywords: Aneurysmal clipping; Osirix software; basilar artery aneurysms; subtemporal approach