EC IC Arterial Bypasses are surgical procedures that involve rerouting or bypassing blood flow from the extracranial (EC) to the intracranial (IC) arteries. The term "EC IC" refers to the two main sets of arteries in the brain.
The extracranial arteries include the common carotid arteries, which are large blood vessels located in the neck. These arteries supply oxygenated blood to the brain. The intracranial arteries, on the other hand, are the smaller arteries that are located within the skull and directly supply blood to different regions of the brain.
When there is a blockage or narrowing in the intracranial arteries, it can lead to reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain, resulting in various neurological symptoms. EC IC Arterial Bypasses are performed to restore blood flow to the brain by creating an alternative pathway.
During the procedure, a section of the patient's own blood vessel, typically a vein taken from a different part of the body (often the leg), is used to construct the bypass. This new blood vessel is then connected to both the extracranial and intracranial arteries, allowing blood to bypass the blockage and flow directly to the brain.
EC IC Arterial Bypasses are commonly performed to treat conditions such as carotid artery stenosis, moyamoya disease, or complex aneurysms. The goal of these bypasses is to improve blood flow, prevent stroke or further neurological damage, and enhance overall brain function.
