The anterior choroidal artery is a rather fascinating artery in neurosurgery.

Initially, in the human embryo, all cerebral blood vessels originate from the internal carotid artery, with two arterial branches other than the ophthalmic artery emerging, one of which is the anterior choroidal artery.

Interestingly, this artery, which seems critically important, chooses to degenerate as humans continue to grow. As a result, in some individuals, its origin shifts to the middle cerebral artery and posterior communicating artery, while in most, it still arises from the lateral wall of the internal carotid artery.

A degenerating artery is definitely not characterized by a large tree trunk-like aorta but rather is long and thin, making it more prone to occlusion. Does this mean that this degenerating artery is completely unimportant? Why else would it degenerate?

According to human research, every degenerated part of the body has its own special significance; no part of the body can be considered completely useless. The same applies to the anterior choroidal artery. It supplies blood to the basal ganglia, visual tract, midbrain, hippocampus, internal capsule, and other important brain tissue areas. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

If it becomes ischemic, and there is no collateral support from the posterior choroidal artery, the patient may experience symptoms such as hemiplegia and blindness.

The consequences of ischemia are frightening, and hemorrhage is definitely more so.

Does the anterior choroidal artery develop aneurysms? Indeed it does, accounting for a small percentage of aneurysm cases, so it can’t be considered rare.

During the first full cerebral angiography, doctors did image the anterior choroidal artery. However, since it is not a major artery, it appears very small, and on DSA imaging, the vessel appears a light, indistinct black.

A quick glance revealing no ischemic regions or bulges is usually interpreted as no major issues.

But now, the microcatheter in the hands of the new Chief Surgeon can smoothly and swiftly enter the anterior choroidal artery, suggesting that its diameter has increased?

Logically, the anterior choroidal artery should have a small diameter. An increase in its diameter could indicate one issue: it is becoming an aneurysm.

Aneurysms of the anterior choroidal artery are often very small. Nonetheless, if the aneurysm in this area enlarges even slightly, and its size increases substantially like a reservoir, it can easily control the flow fluctuations of the smaller diameter anterior choroidal artery below.

Two-dimensional imaging is indeed very deceptive and misleading in the early stages of lesions. Cerebral angiograms are particularly rich in branches, and upon close examination, the densely packed and intertwining vessels appear like a tangled web.

If doctors rely on existing medical knowledge for calculations, it’s less effective than relying on their sense of touch, which is faster and more accurate. Reflexive hand sensations are natural, requiring no mental effort, and no complex calculations.

Everyone watching the surgery can only think to themselves: Cao Yong has done it again.

The microcatheter reaches a certain point, placing a spring coil for subtotal embolization. Then, when checking the ophthalmic artery, an opportunity arises...

Half an hour later, the surgery concludes.

The nurse uses a stretcher bed to transport the patient back to the ward.

"Director Zhai." Deputy Director Lv said, accompanying the esteemed expert Zhai Yunsheng who intends to leave first.

At this moment, Zhai Yunsheng specifically glanced at the young girl standing there.

Xie Wanying was facing the lead glass, seemingly revisiting and organizing the surgery scenes in her mind.

Her brain can’t keep up with Senior Cao’s tactile sense, but she can review and summarize the surgical experience, which is an excellent learning opportunity.