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.

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.

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.

scholarly journals Endoscopic transnasal transmaxillary approach to the upper parapharyngeal space and the skull base

2019 ◽  
Vol 277 (3) ◽  
pp. 801-807
Author(s):  
Quan Liu ◽  
Huan Wang ◽  
Weidong Zhao ◽  
Xiaole Song ◽  
Xicai Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Internal Carotid Artery ◽  
Skull Base ◽  
Internal Carotid ◽  
Parapharyngeal Space ◽  
Middle Cranial Fossa ◽  
Anatomical Landmarks ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
Cranial Fossa ◽  
Optimal Approach

Abstract Purpose Treatment of tumors arising in the upper parapharyngeal space (PPS) or the floor of the middle cranial fossa is challenging. This study aims to present anatomical landmarks for a combined endoscopic transnasal and anterior transmaxillary approach to the upper PPS and the floor of the middle cranial fossa and to further evaluate their clinical application. Methods Dissection of the upper PPS using a combined endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid and anterior transmaxillary approach was performed in six cadaveric heads. Surgical landmarks associated with the approach were defined. The defined approach was applied in patients with tumors involving the upper PPS. Results The medial pterygoid muscle, tensor veli palatini muscle and levator veli palatini muscle were key landmarks of the approach into the upper PPS. The lateral pterygoid plate, foramen ovale and mandibular nerve were important anatomical landmarks for exposing the parapharyngeal segment of the internal carotid artery through a combined endoscopic transnasal and anterior transmaxillary approach. The combined approach provided a better view of the upper PPS and middle skull base, allowing for effective bimanual techniques and bleeding control. Application of the anterior transmaxillary approach also provided a better view of the inferior limits of the upper PPS and facilitated control of the internal carotid artery. Conclusions Improving the knowledge of the endoscopic anatomy of the upper PPS allowed us to achieve an optimal approach to tumors arising in the upper PPS. The combined endoscopic transnasal and anterior transmaxillary approach is a minimally invasive alternative approach to the upper PPS.

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.

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