A novel intraoperative “Faucet” technique for assessing patency of superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass and for prevention of microemboli

Abstract

Purpose This technical note introduces the novel faucet technique, which enables neurosurgeons to evaluate the patency of a bypass during superficial temporal artery–middle cerebral artery bypass surgery. The technique is particularly useful when there is a lack of equipment such as micro-Doppler or indocyanine green in the operating rooms. This is often the case in Central Asian countries. Methods The faucet technique involves carefully examining the graft by gently opening a valve, comparable to a faucet, to observe the blood flow through the bypassed vessel. Overall, 36 procedures underwent the faucet technique for assessing the superficial temporal artery–middle cerebral artery bypass patency. Results The results indicate that the bypass remained patent in all cases, as confirmed through the intraoperative faucet technique, postoperative magnetic resonance angiography, or cerebral angiography. Conclusion By visually inspecting the blood flow through the faucet technique, surgeons can confirm the effectiveness of the graft and ensure that the bypass remains unobstructed during the surgery. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00701-024-06305-6.