[Exposure of the extracranial portion of the vertebral artery. Anatomical study--Surgical value (author's transl)].

Exposure of the vertebral artery, in particular in its extracranial course, may be of surgical value. The treatment of lesions affecting this entire artery must be discussed in the context of the revascularisation of the vessels supplying the brain. The anatomical study forms defines the features of this surgical approach. Selective vertebral arteriography and the assessment of tolerance of vertebral clamping are the main features of pre-operative evaluation.