Transorbital Approach for Occluding the Middle Cerebral Artery Without Craniectomy

An experimental model of cerebral ischemia and infarction can be produced by occluding a middle cerebral artery in animals. Most surgical approaches to the artery require removal of some portion of the cranium, which may modify or prevent the changes of intracranial pressure and the development of pressure gradients that are caused by ischemic cerebral edema or brain swelling. A transorbital approach for the exposure of a middle cerebral artery requires only enlargement of the optic foramen, which can be sealed immediately after occlusion of the artery. The lack of disturbance and manipulation of the brain and the maintenance of the integrity of the cranium result in a superior experimental model.