Microsurgical anatomy of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery: an applicative study

Objective To discuss the microanatomy of anterior inferior cerebellar artery(AICA) and to provide related microanatomical basis for surgery in the area of cerebellopontile angle.Methods Twenty AICAs and their branches at both sides in 10 adult brain specimens were observed anatomically and were measured under an operative microscope.Results The frequency of bilateral AICAs was 95% and double branches on the same side in one case(5%),The frequencies of their branching labyrinthine artery,recurrent perforating artery,subarcuate artery,and cerebellar subarcuate artery were 95%,80%,70%,and 5%,respectively.The frequency of AICA formed the AICA loop near the facial nerve root was 90%.The diameter of AICAs was 1.29±0.43 mm(0.56-1.87 mm).The(AICA) loop was closely associated with the internal auditory foramen,and 80% penetrates between facial nerve and auditory nerve.Conclusion Being familiar with the microanatomy of AICA helps avoid the damage of related arteries in the area of cerebellopontine angle during operation.