New method of MVD using a vascular tape for neurovascular compression involving the vertebrobasilar artery--report of two cases.

In the treatment of hemifacial spasm and trigeminal neuralgia by microvascular decompression (MVD), lack of improvement or recurrence may occur because of the difficulties in positioning prostheses and the involvement of the large vertebrobasilar arteries, even with use of fenestrated aneurysm clips or adhesives. We have developed a new method of MVD, in which a vascular tape is anchored to the dura mater to transpose the responsible large artery. This method achieved successful results in our two patients with nerve compression involving the vertebrobasilar arteries.