QEVO-Assisted Anatomical Inspection of Adjacent Perforators in Microsurgical Clipping-Technical Note.

INTRODUCTION

Aneurysms of brain vessels are life-threatening conditions with various adverse outcomes, some stemming from microsurgical intervention, particularly when major vessel perforators are inadequately protected. The use of endoscopes enhances the approach to aneurysms by providing closer visualization (180-360 degrees) of the local anatomy, potentially reducing accidental damage. To improve visualization and efficiency, a microscope-integrated 45-degree angled microinspection endoscopic tool (QEVO, Carl Zeiss, Oberkochen) has been developed and employed in various neurosurgical procedures.

METHODS

Between 2021 and 2025, 27 brain aneurysms were treated with QEVO assistance at the Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo. The choice of the videos corresponds to the best image quality in videos and on the microscopic determination of adjacent vessel perforators, which were not adequately seen purely by the surgical microscope in specific cases. Exclusion criteria included cases without a need for QEVO assistance in perforator visualization, severe brain edema, intraoperative aneurysm rupture, posterior circulation, or low video quality.

RESULTS

Case 1 demonstrates an anterior choroidal artery (AchA) aneurysm; Case 2 presents an anterior communicating artery (AcommA) aneurysm; and Case 3 features contralateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) microsurgical clipping with QEVO assistance.

CONCLUSIONS

The QEVO tool significantly improves the visualization of aneurysm-perforator relationships, increasing the likelihood of preserving perforators during standard microsurgical clipping. This innovative approach may reduce surgical complications and enhance patient outcomes, highlighting the tool's potential as an adjunct in aneurysm microsurgery.