The So-Called Cavernous Sinus: A Review of the Controversy and Its Implications for Neurosurgeons

Neurosurgery ◽  
1982 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 712-717 ◽  
Author(s):  
John N. Taptas
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Internal Carotid Artery ◽  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Internal Carotid ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Sella Turcica ◽  
Middle Cranial Fossa ◽  
Cranial Fossa ◽  
Base Of The Skull ◽  
Extradural Space

Abstract The so-called cavernous sinus is a venous pathway, an irregular network of veins that is part of the extradural venous network of the base of the skull, not a trabeculated venous channel. This venous pathway, the internal carotid artery, and the oculomotor cranial nerves cross the medial portion of the middle cranial fossa in an extradural space formed on each side of the sella turcica by the diverging aspects of a dural fold. In this space the venous pathway has only neighborhood relations with the internal carotid artery and the cranial nerves. The space itself must be distinguished from the vascular and nervous elements that it contains. The revision of the anatomy of this region has not only theoretical interest but also important clinical implications.

scholarly journals Morphometry of Glasscock’s Triangle Pertinent to the Exposure of Horizontal Intrapetrosal Segment of the Internal Carotid Artery

2019 ◽  
Vol 08 (03) ◽  
pp. 093-096
Author(s):  
Abu Ubaida Siddiqui ◽  
Richa Gurudiwan ◽  
Abu Talha Siddiqui ◽  
Nikita Chaudhary ◽  
Meryl Rachel John ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Internal Carotid Artery ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Racial Differences ◽  
Internal Carotid ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Middle Cranial Fossa ◽  
Surgical Interventions ◽  
Cadaveric Specimen ◽  
Cranial Fossa

Abstract Background and Aim The specific anatomical triangles around the cavernous sinus are frequently explored areas in neurosurgeries and thus require a methodical approach keeping in mind the possibility of variational anatomy and morphometric differences. One of the most inconsistent triangles is the Glasscock’s (posterolateral) triangle (GT) in the middle cranial fossa. Materials and Methods The present study was undertaken on 26 skull bases of the middle cranial fossa from cadavers and 42 dry adult skulls from the departmental collection to analyze parameters of the GT pertinent to the horizontal intrapetrosal segment of the internal carotid artery. The measurements of all sides of the GT were done and the mean surface area was calculated using Heron’s formula. The findings of the study were compared with earlier works where other methods of investigation were employed, such as, dry bones/computed tomography scans, cadaveric studies. Observations The GT in the present study had a mean surface area of 43 mm2. The study presented with variable morphological and morphometric data as compared with earlier studies. The scientific attribute to the differences in parameters is presumably relevant to the racial differences as well as the pathophysiological condition of the subject. Conclusions Surgical interventions to the base of the skull have evolved enormously over the years. Earlier studies have described the triangle on cadaveric specimen. We have attempted to revisit the area in cadaveric as well as dry skull base. Flawless information of the area under surgery augments safer procedures and reduction in the damage to brain tissue as well as the cranial nerves. The putative clinical implications of the present study are useful in helping in high precision surgeries and enhanced patient care. The highly variable GT needs to be understood properly for a desired culmination in ICA exposure in the intrapetrosal segment.

scholarly journals REMOVING A RETROSELLAR PITUITARY ADENOMA VIA THE ENDOSCOPIC ENDONASAL TRANSSPHENOIDAL TRANSCAVERNOUS APPROACH

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 39-44
Author(s):  
О. I. Sharipov ◽  
M. A. Kutin ◽  
P. L. Kalinin
Keyword(s):  
Pituitary Adenoma ◽  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Internal Carotid Artery ◽  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Internal Carotid ◽  
Sella Turcica ◽  
Posterior Cranial Fossa ◽  
Anatomical Landmarks ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
Cranial Fossa

The study objective is to describe the removal of the pituitary adenoma from the posterior cranial fossa through endoscopic transsphenoidal trans-cavernous approach, when the main surgical corridor was the tumor-intact cavernous sinus. Materials and methods. A 55-year-old male patient with endosupraretrosellar endocrine-inactive pituitary adenoma was admitted to N.N. Burdenko Research Center of Neurosurgery. The patient had earlier undergone two surgeries for pituitary adenoma. Using the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach, we found that these surgeries resulted in the formation of scar-altered adipose tissue in the sphenoid sinus and partly in the sella turcica; anatomical landmarks indicating the midline and the location of the internal carotid arteries were absent. We formed an access to both retro- and suprasellar portions of the tumor between the sella turcica and cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery (through the cavernous sinus); then we dissected anterior and posterior walls of the sinus and revealed a soft capsule-free pituitary adenoma, which was completely removed by a vacuum aspirator. The skull base defect was repaired using the multilayer technique with autologous tissues. Results. After surgery, neurological status and visual functions did not change. In the postoperative period, we observed no oculomotor disorders, pituitary insufficiency, diabetes insipidus, or nasal liquorrhea. Follow-up computed tomography scans revealed no signs of intracranial complications or obvious residual tumor tissue. Magnetic resonance imaging 4 month postoperatively demonstrated small laterosellar fragments of the tumor in the sella turcica. The patient was further followed up. Conclusion. Cavernous sinus is a natural anatomical corridor providing access to the structures of the posterior cranial fossa and interpeduncular cistern. The main risk (damage to the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery) can be minimized by using intraoperative dopplerography and visual control of all manipulations.

Endoscopic Transnasal Approach to the Cavernous Sinus versus Transcranial Route: Anatomic Study

2005 ◽  
Vol 56 (suppl_4) ◽  
pp. ONS-379-ONS-389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi Maria Cavallo ◽  
Paolo Cappabianca ◽  
Renato Galzio ◽  
Giorgio Iaconetta ◽  
Enrico de Divitiis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Internal Carotid Artery ◽  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Internal Carotid ◽  
Middle Cranial Fossa ◽  
Anatomic Landmarks ◽  
Transnasal Approach ◽  
Endoscopic Transnasal Approach ◽  
Cranial Fossa ◽  
Triangular Area

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to compare the anatomy of the cavernous sinus via an endoscopic transnasal route with the anatomy of the same region explored by the transcranial route. The purpose was to identify and correlate the corresponding anatomic landmarks both through the endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal and the microscopic transcranial views. METHODS: Five fresh injected heads (10 specimens) were dissected by the endoscopic transnasal and microsurgical transcranial approaches. A comparison of different microsurgical corridors of the cavernous sinus with the corresponding endoscopic transnasal ones was performed. RESULTS: Through the endoscopic transnasal approach, it is possible to explore only some of the parasellar and middle cranial fossa subregions. Because of the complex multilevel architecture of the cavernous sinus, there is not always a correspondence between the surgical corridors bounded through the transcranial route and those exposed through the endoscopic transnasal approach. Nevertheless, some surgical corridors specific to the endoscopic transnasal route are evident: a C-shaped corridor is identifiable medial to the “intracavernous” internal carotid artery, whereas a wider triangular area is delineable lateral to the internal carotid artery; inside the latter, three more surgical corridors (a superior triangular space, a superior quadrangular space, and an inferior quadrangular space) can be described. CONCLUSION: Different surgical corridors can be defined during the endoscopic transnasal approach to the anteroinferior portion of the cavernous sinus, as already established for the transcranial route as well. Knowledge of these could be useful in decreasing morbidity and mortality during surgery in this region, these approaches being reserved to experienced transsphenoidal surgeons only.

scholarly journals Dural architecture of cavernous sinus. Structural Solid Marrow of the Sellyar Region

2020 ◽  
pp. 10-32
Author(s):  
R. N. Lyunkova
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Internal Carotid Artery ◽  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Dura Mater ◽  
Internal Carotid ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Vascular Neurosurgery ◽  
Base Of The Skull ◽  
The Brain

Surgery of the base of the skull requires knowledge of the topography of the internal carotid artery, cavernous sinus, cranial nerves of the sellyar and paraclinoid regions. Equally important is knowledge of the topography and structure of the dura mater (CSF) at the base of the skull, CSF duplicates, cerebellar ligaments, meningeal membranes (tank membranes of the brain base, carotid oculomotor membrane of the proximal carotid ring) and carotid rings in neurooncology and vascular neurosurgery. The article presents the results of the study of the structure of TMO in the selvary and paraselar regions.

scholarly journals Microsurgical anatomy of the arterial compartment of the cavernous sinus: analysis of 24 cavernous sinus

2005 ◽  
Vol 63 (2a) ◽  
pp. 259-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gustavo Isolan ◽  
Evandro de Oliveira ◽  
João Paulo Mattos
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Internal Carotid Artery ◽  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Internal Carotid ◽  
Sella Turcica ◽  
Microsurgical Anatomy ◽  
Isolated Artery ◽  
Anatomy Knowledge ◽  
Tentorial Artery ◽  
Meningohypophyseal Trunk

The cavernous sinus is a complex compartment situated in both sides of the sella turcica, being its microsurgical anatomy knowledge of fundamental importance when consider to approach surgically. We studied the arterial microanatomy of 24 cavernous sinus at the microsurgical laboratory, considering that in all the internal carotid artery were filled with colored latex. The meningohypophyseal trunk was present in 18 cases (75%) with its origin in intracavernous portion of the internal carotid artery. In relation to the 18 presented cases with meningohypophyseal trunk, 14 (77.7%) had a trifurcate and 4 (23.3%) had a bifurcate pattern. The tentorial artery was present in all. Its origin was observed, arising from the meningohypophyseal trunk in 17 (70.8%) and as an isolated artery in some extension of the intracavernous portion in 7 (29.1%). An accessory tentorial artery was found in one specimen. The dorsal meningeal artery was present in 22 cases (91.6%). Its origin was in the meningohypophyseal trunk in 17 cases (77.2%), arising from internal carotid artery in 4 cases (18.1%) and from inferior hypophyseal artery in one case (4.1%).The inferior hypophyseal artery was present in all cases, having its origin at the meningohypophyseal trunk in 16 cases (66.6%). In the remaining 8 cases (33.3%) the artery was found arising alone from the intracavernous portion also. The artery of the inferior cavernous sinus or inferolateral trunk was present in all cases and had its origin from internal carotid artery in its intracavernous segment. The McConnell's artery was not found in any cavernous sinus.

The Paraclinoid Carotid Artery: Anatomical Aspects of a Microneurosurgical Approach

Neurosurgery ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 896-901 ◽  
Author(s):  
Engelbert Knosp ◽  
Gerd Müller ◽  
Axel Perneczky
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Internal Carotid Artery ◽  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Internal Carotid ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Parent Artery ◽  
Connective Tissue Layer ◽  
Aneurysm Neck ◽  
C3 Segment

Abstract The paraclinoid area is investigated anatomically for possible microneurosurgical approaches to the C3 segment of the internal carotid artery and to structures in the vicinity of the anterior siphon knee. Removal of the anterior clinoid process reveals a tight connective tissue ring that fixes the internal carotid artery to the surrounding osseous structures at the point of its transdural passage. Transection of this fibrous ring opens a microsurgical pathway to the carotid C3 segment. The artery is surrounded by a loose connective tissue layer that allows blunt preparation along the C3 segment, without compromising the cranial nerves and without damaging venous compartments of the cavernous sinus. This approach provides neurosurgical access to paraclinoidal aneurysms, to partly intracavernous aneurysms, and to carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms, allowing control of the proximal aneurysm neck and of the parent artery itself. In cases of tumors involving the medial sphenoid ridge, the apex of the orbit, or the cavernous sinus, the pericarotid connective tissue can serve as a guide layer for access along the internal carotid artery.

scholarly journals Middle Cranial Fossa Transtemporal Approach to the Intrapetrous Internal Carotid Artery

Skull Base ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 1 (03) ◽  
pp. 142-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
James C. Andrews ◽  
Neil A. Martin ◽  
Keith Black ◽  
Vincent F. Honrubia ◽  
Donald P. Becker
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Internal Carotid Artery ◽  
Internal Carotid ◽  
Middle Cranial Fossa ◽  
Cranial Fossa

scholarly journals The surgical anatomy for multiple-electrode extracochlear implant operations

1988 ◽  
Vol 102 (8) ◽  
pp. 685-688
Author(s):  
Burkhard K-H. G. Franz ◽  
Graeme M. Clark
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Internal Carotid Artery ◽  
Temporomandibular Joint ◽  
Internal Carotid ◽  
Anterior Part ◽  
Middle Cranial Fossa ◽  
Surgical Anatomy ◽  
Direct Access ◽  
Cranial Fossa ◽  
Multiple Electrode

AbstractDirect access to the whole length of the cochlear turns via endaural middle ear approach for the placement of extracochlear electrodes is severely restricted. Approximately 10 mm. of the cochlear turns are accessible, being less than a third of their length. The middle cranial fossa, the facial nerve, the internal carotid artery and the temporomandibular joint restrict the access. A further restriction is caused by the position of the cochlea and the direction of its axis. The anterior part of the cochlea lies anterior to the tympanic membrane and medial to the temporomandibular joint, thus limiting an endaural approach to a posterolateral direction. Despite this limitation small sections of the basal, middle and apical turns of the cochlea can be reached.

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