Anastomosis of the superior thyroid artery to the vertebral artery for vertebrobasilar insufficiency.

Anastomosis of the superior thyroid artery to the cervical vertebral artery was performed with good results in a case of vertebrobasilar insufficiency caused by proximal occlusion of the vertebral artery. As a donor artery the superior thyroid artery is moderate in size, long, and easy to anastomose. It is emphasized that this cervical procedure is simpler and safer than the intracranial procedures. The authors believe this case to be the first in which the superior thyroid artery was used as a donor artery for anastomosis to the vertebral artery.