Abstract
The microsurgical anatomy of the paraclinoid area and the surgical approach to paraclinoid aneurysms were reported. Aneurysms arising from the ICA between the site of its exit from the roof of the cavernous sinus and the origin of the posterior communicating artery have been termed paraclinoid aneurysms. Direct surgery of paraclinoid aneurysms requires an anterior clinoidectomy for adequate exposure of the paraclinoid space. The optic nerve is typically displaced superomedially by the aneurysm which often results in visual deficits. To preserve visual function, intraoperative damage to the optic nerves needs to be minimized and proper attention must be paid to safeguard the ophthalmic artery and superior hypophyseal artery. We examined the causes of optic nerve injuries and described useful methods to preserve the visual function
