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.

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.

Jugular Foramen: Microscopic Anatomic Features and Implications for Neural Preservation with Reference to Glomus Tumors Involving the Temporal Bone

Neurosurgery ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 838-848 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chandranath Sen ◽  
Karin Hague ◽  
Rajneesh Kacchara ◽  
Arthur Jenkins ◽  
Sumit Das ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Internal Carotid Artery ◽  
Temporal Bone ◽  
Cranial Nerve ◽  
Internal Carotid ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Jugular Foramen ◽  
Jugular Bulb ◽  
Glomus Tumors

Abstract OBJECTIVE Our goals were to study the normal histological features of the jugular foramen, compare them with the histopathological features of glomus tumors involving the temporal bone, and thus provide insight into the surgical management of these tumors with respect to cranial nerve function. METHODS Ten jugular foramen blocks were obtained from five human cadavers after removal of the brain. Microscopic studies of these blocks were performed, with particular attention to fibrous or bony compartmentalization of the jugular foramen, the relationships of the caudal cranial nerves to the jugular bulb/jugular vein and internal carotid artery, and the fascicular structures of the nerves. In addition, we studied the histopathological features of 11 glomus tumors involving the temporal bone (10 patients), with respect to nerve invasion, associated fibrosis, and carotid artery adventitial invasion. RESULTS A dural septum separating the IXth cranial nerve from the fascicles of Cranial Nerves X and XI, at the intracranial opening, was noted. Only two specimens, however, had a septum (one bony and one fibrous) producing internal compartmentalization of the jugular foramen. The cranial nerves remained fasciculated within the foramen, with the vagus nerve containing multiple fascicles and the glossopharyngeal and accessory nerves containing one and two fascicles, respectively. All of these nerve fascicles lay medial to the superior jugular bulb, with the IXth cranial nerve located anteriorly and the XIth cranial nerve posteriorly. All nerve fascicles had separate connective tissue sheaths. A dense connective tissue sheath was always present between the IXth cranial nerve and the internal carotid artery, at the level of the carotid canal. The inferior petrosal sinus was present between the IXth and Xth cranial nerves, as single or multiple venous channels. The glomus tumors infiltrated between the cranial nerve fascicles and inside the perineurium. They also produced reactive fibrosis. In one patient, in whom the internal carotid artery was also excised, the tumor invaded the adventitia. CONCLUSION Within the jugular foramen, the cranial nerves lie anteromedial to the jugular bulb and maintain a multifascicular histoarchitecture (particularly the Xth cranial nerve). Glomus tumors of the temporal bone can invade the cranial nerve fascicles, and infiltration of these nerves can occur despite normal function. In these situations, total resection may not be possible without sacrifice of these nerves.

scholarly journals Supraclinoid internal carotid artery blister-like aneurysms: hypothesized pathogenesis and microsurgical clipping outcomes

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shanwen Chen ◽  
Xin Chen ◽  
Bo Ning ◽  
Yong Cao ◽  
Shuo Wang
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Internal Carotid Artery ◽  
Internal Carotid ◽  
Treatment Guidelines ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Neurological Dysfunction ◽  
Parent Artery ◽  
Unruptured Aneurysms ◽  
Aneurysm Neck ◽  
Microsurgical Clipping

Abstract Background Blister-like aneurysms (BLAs) on the supraclinoid segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) are an enigma of cerebrovascular disease. Neither has a definite pathogenesis been so far identified, nor have uniform treatment guidelines been established for them. Our aim was to develop a hypothesis regarding the evolution of BLAs according to their macroscopic morphologies and to evaluate the efficacy of microsurgical clipping. Methods The clinical data and morphological features of 15 consecutive patients with 16 BLAs on the supraclinoid ICA were retrospectively reviewed. The treatment strategies were analyzed, and functional outcomes were evaluated using the modified Rankin scale (mRS). Favorable outcomes were defined as a mRS score of 0–2. Results Morphologically, aneurysm growth with expansion of the aneurysm neck before the surgical procedure occurred in two ruptured and one unruptured aneurysm. Daughter bleb formation was observed in two ruptured and five unruptured aneurysms. A varied degree of parent artery sclerosis was observed in nine patients. Thirteen patients were treated with direct surgical clipping, one patient was treated with clipping and wrapping, and the remaining patient was treated with an encircling clipping graft. Favorable and unfavorable outcomes were observed in 13 and two cases, respectively. Follow-up angiograms revealed 4 cases of stenosis with respective degree of mild, 30%, 50%, and 80% without any neurological dysfunction. Conclusions We suggest a hypothesis that BLAs on the supraclinoid ICA may share different evolving mechanisms between ruptured and unruptured lesions. A majority of them can be reliably and safely obliterated by direct clipping technique, except for the aneurysms accompanied with severely atherosclerotic parent walls.

Internal Carotid Plexus Schwannoma of the Cavernous Sinus: Case Report

Neurosurgery ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 435-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uğur Türe ◽  
Aşkın Şeker ◽  
Özlem Kurtkaya ◽  
M. Necmettin Pamir
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Internal Carotid Artery ◽  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Internal Carotid ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Imaging Studies ◽  
Gadolinium Administration ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Operative Findings

Abstract OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE Schwannomas of the central nervous system usually originate from the vestibular nerve and occasionally originate from the trigeminal nerve. Sympathetic plexus schwannomas are extremely rare and have never been noted within the cavernous sinus. CLINICAL PRESENTATION A 23-year-old man experienced occasional double vision for a period of 6 months. Magnetic resonance imaging studies revealed an isointense lesion, with enhancement after gadolinium administration, located inferomedial to the internal carotid artery within the left cavernous sinus. INTERVENTION We explored the cavernous sinus via a left-sided extradural-pterional approach and found the tumor inferomedial to the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery. Microsurgical gross total resection of the tumor was performed. The IIIrd (oculomotor) to VIth (abducens) cranial nerves within the cavernous sinus were not related to the tumor and were preserved. The operative findings and the anatomic location of the tumor demonstrated that it originated from the internal carotid plexus within the cavernous sinus. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and he exhibited no cranial nerve deficits. However, incomplete Horner's syndrome was present on the treated side. CONCLUSION We present the first reported case of an internal carotid plexus schwannoma, and we describe in detail its anatomic and neuroradiological characteristics. The microneurosurgical resection of this unusual tumor within the cavernous sinus was successful and without morbidity.

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 Rare Clinical Onset of Nontraumatic Intracavernous Aneurysm of the Internal Carotid Artery: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enzo Emanuelli ◽  
Maria Baldovin ◽  
Claudia Zanotti ◽  
Sara Munari ◽  
Luca Denaro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Internal Carotid Artery ◽  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Internal Carotid ◽  
Arterial Injury ◽  
Sphenoidal Sinus ◽  
Therapeutic Challenge ◽  
Cavernous Sinus Syndrome ◽  
Sellar Lesions ◽  
Risk Of Rupture

AbstractWhile the so-called pseudoaneurysms can result from arterial injury during trans-sphenoidal surgery or after a trauma, spontaneous aneurysms of cavernous–internal carotid artery (CICA) are rare. Symptoms vary and the differential diagnosis with other, more frequent, sellar lesions is difficult. We describe three cases of misdiagnosed CICA spontaneous aneurysm. In two cases the onset was with neuro-ophthalmological manifestations, classifiable as “cavernous sinus syndrome.” The emergency computed tomography scan did not show CICA aneurysm and the diagnosis was made by surgical exploration. The third patient came to our attention with a sudden severe unilateral epistaxis; endonasal surgery revealed also in this case a CICA aneurysm, eroding the wall and protruding into the sphenoidal sinus. When the onset was with a cavernous sinus syndrome, misdiagnosis exposed two patients to potential serious risk of bleeding, while the patient with epistaxis was treated with embolization, using coils and two balloons. Intracavernous nontraumatic aneurysms are both a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, because of their heterogeneous onset and risk of rupture, potentially lethal. Intracavernous aneurysms can be managed with radiological follow-up, if asymptomatic or clinically stable, or can be surgically treated with endovascular or microsurgical techniques.

scholarly journals Internal Carotid Artery Injury in Transsphenoidal Surgery: Tenets for Its Avoidance and Refit—A Clinical Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 99
Author(s):  
Dmitry Usachev ◽  
Oleg Sharipov ◽  
Ashraf Abdali ◽  
Sergei Yakovlev ◽  
Vasiliy Lukshin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Internal Carotid Artery ◽  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Transsphenoidal Surgery ◽  
Internal Carotid ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Carotid Artery Injury ◽  
Anatomical Features ◽  
Stent Grafting ◽  
Internal Carotid Artery Injury

One of the most serious/potentially fatal complications of transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) is internal carotid artery (ICA) injury. Of 6230 patients who underwent TSS, ICA injury occurred in 8 (0.12%). The etiology, possible treatment options, and avoidance of ICA injury were analyzed. ICA injury occurred at two different stages: (1) during the exposure of the sella floor and dural incision over the sella and cavernous sinus and (2) during the resection of the cavernous sinus extension of the tumor. The angiographic collateral blood supply was categorized as good, sufficient, and nonsufficient to help with the decision making for repairing the injury. ICA occlusion with a balloon was performed at the injury site in two cases, microcoils in two patients, microcoils plus a single barrel extra-intracranial high-flow bypass in one case, stent grafting in one case, and no intervention in two cases. The risk of ICA injury diminishes with better preoperative preparation, intraoperative navigation, and ultrasound dopplerography. Reconstructive surgery for closing the defect and restoring the blood flow to the artery should be assessed depending on the site of the injury and the anatomical features of the ICA.

Retromandibular Fossa Approach to the High Cervical Internal Carotid Artery: An Anatomic Study

2008 ◽  
Vol 62 (suppl_5) ◽  
pp. ONS363-ONS370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yusuf Izci ◽  
Roham Moftakhar ◽  
Mark Pyle ◽  
Mustafa K. Basşkaya
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Internal Carotid Artery ◽  
Internal Carotid ◽  
Average Length ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
External Carotid Artery ◽  
External Carotid ◽  
Digastric Muscle ◽  
High Cervical ◽  
Cervical Internal Carotid Artery

Abstract Objective: Access to the high cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) is technically challenging for the treatment of lesions in and around this region. The aims of this study were to analyze the efficacy of approaching the high cervical ICA through the retromandibular fossa and to compare preauricular and postauricular incisions. In addition, the relevant neural and vascular structures of this region are demonstrated in cadaveric dissections. Methods: The retromandibular fossa approach was performed in four arterial and venous latex-injected cadaveric heads and necks (eight sides) via preauricular and postauricular incisions. This approach included three steps: 1) sternocleidomastoid muscle dissection; 2) transparotid dissection; and 3) removal of the styloid apparatus and opening of the retromandibular fossa to expose the cervical ICA with the internal jugular vein along with Cranial Nerves X, XI, and XII. Results: The posterior belly of the digastric muscle and the styloid muscles were the main obstacles to reaching the high cervical ICA. The high cervical ICA was successfully exposed through the retromandibular fossa in all specimens. In all specimens, the cervical ICA exhibited an S-shaped curve in the retromandibular fossa. The external carotid artery was located more superficially than the ICA in all specimens. The average length of the ICA in the retromandibular fossa was 6.8 cm. Conclusion: The entire cervical ICA can be exposed via the retromandibular fossa approach without neural and vascular injury by use of meticulous dissection and good anatomic knowledge. Mandibulotomy is not necessary for adequate visualization of the high cervical ICA.

Temporary Aneurysm Orifice Balloon Occlusion as an Alternative to Retrograde Suction Decompression for Giant Paraclinoid Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysms: Technical Note

2005 ◽  
Vol 56 (suppl_4) ◽  
pp. ONS-E442-ONS-E442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hans-Jakob Steiger ◽  
Farias Lins ◽  
Thomas Mayer ◽  
Robert Schmid-Elsaesser ◽  
Walter Stummer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Internal Carotid Artery ◽  
Internal Carotid ◽  
Local Circulation ◽  
Occlusion Balloon ◽  
Aneurysm Neck ◽  
Symptomatic Vasospasm ◽  
First Case ◽  
Clip Occlusion ◽  
Cervical Internal Carotid Artery

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Giant paraclinoid carotid artery aneurysms frequently require the temporary interruption of local circulation to facilitate safe clip occlusion. Owing to the brisk retrograde blood flow through the ophthalmic artery and cavernous branches, the simple trapping of the aneurysm by cervical internal carotid artery clamping and intracranial distal clipping may not adequately soften the lesion. Retrograde suction decompression aspiration of this collateral supply by a catheter introduced into the cervical internal carotid artery is a popular method to achieve aneurysm deflation. With a large collateral supply, the method is not effective enough. The advent of relatively long and maneuverable soft balloons allows temporary occlusion of the aneurysm orifice. METHODS: We applied this method in two instances of giant carotid ophthalmic aneurysms. In both instances, a 15- to 20-mm-long and 4-mm-wide occlusion balloon was inserted in the internal carotid artery at the level of the aneurysm before craniotomy. After craniotomy and dissection of the aneurysm neck, the balloon was inflated under intraoperative angiographic control. RESULTS: The aneurysm became soft enough in both cases without tapping and aspiration to allow safe clip occlusion. In the first case, the postoperative course was uneventful and visual acuity improved. A known additional infraclinoid part of the aneurysm was eliminated endovascularly 5 months later using balloon-protected injection of vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx; Micro Therapeutics, Inc., Irvine, CA). In the second case, a postoperative symptomatic vasospasm developed 15 hours after surgery. Hypertensive therapy resulted in the disappearance of symptoms and an otherwise uneventful course with improvement of vision. CONCLUSION: This preliminary experience suggests that this new method is a feasible alternative to retrograde suction decompression.

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