[Internal thoracic artery for high-flow extra-intracranial bypass graft. Case report and literature review].

OBJECTIVE: To describe the first experience of internal thoracic artery for high-flow extra-intracranial bypass. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Internal thoracic artery was used for high-flow extra-intracranial bypass in a patient with giant aneurysm of internal carotid artery. Internal thoracic artery harvesting technique is presented. A systematic review is devoted to the role of internal thoracic artery in neurosurgery. The main advantages and disadvantages of internal thoracic artery are described. RESULTS: High-flow extra-intracranial bypass through internal thoracic artery allowed safe ICA occlusion. CT- angiography confirmed graft patency. CONCLUSION: We present the first experience of internal thoracic artery for high-flow bypass. The advantages and disadvantages are described. A final decision in favor of one or another graft requires further research.