The Use of Adenosine in Cerebral Aneurysm Clipping: A Review

Management of intracranial aneurysms continues to evolve, with coiling of aneurysms becoming an increasingly used modality. However, for aneurysms which are considered to be “complex” due to their size, position, or morphology, clipping continues to be the preferred treatment option. Several techniques can be utilized intraoperatively to facilitate aneurysm exposure and clip ligation. These include deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, endovascular balloon occlusion with suction, and, most commonly, temporary clip application to the proximal feeding vessel. The use of these techniques has been limited by the associated significant morbidity and mortality, and in the case of temporary clipping, anatomic limitations preventing clip application in certain cases. Recently, adenosine induced transient circulatory arrest has undergone a resurgence in neurosurgical practice to assist in complex aneurysm clip ligation. In this article we review this technique with special emphasis on appropriate patient selection and safety profile.