EXTRADURAL TRANSCAVERNOUS APPROACH TO CAVERNOUS SINUS HEMANGIOMAS

Neurosurgery ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 483-489 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashish Suri ◽  
Faiz U. Ahmad ◽  
Ashok K. Mahapatra
Keyword(s):  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Surgical Complication ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Lateral Wall ◽  
Middle Cranial Fossa ◽  
Middle Meningeal Artery ◽  
Anterior Clinoid Process ◽  
Complete Excision ◽  
Computed Tomographic ◽  
Rapid Decompression

Abstract OBJECTIVE Cavernous sinus hemangiomas (CSHs) are uncommon lesions and comprise fewer than 1% of all parasellar masses. Because of their location, propensity for profuse bleeding during surgery, and relationship to complex neurovascular structures, they are notoriously difficult to excise. CLINICAL PRESENTATION The authors describe their experience with seven cases of CSHs. Headache and visual impairment were the most common presenting complaints, followed by facial hypesthesia and diplopia. Computed tomographic scans revealed iso- to hyperdense expansile lesions in the region of the cavernous sinus and middle cranial fossa. Magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed hypo- to isointense lesions on T1-weighted images and markedly hyperintense lesions on T2-weighted images, with marked homogeneous enhancement after contrast administration. INTERVENTION All CSHs were treated by a purely extradural transcavernous approach. This involved reduction of sphenoid ridge, exposure of the superior orbital fissure, drilling of the anterior clinoid process, coagulation and division of the middle meningeal artery, and peeling of the meningeal layer of the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus from the inner membranous layer. The cranial nerves in the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus were exposed (Cranial Nerves III and IV, as well as V1, V2, and V3). The tumor was accessed through its maximum bulge through either the lateral or anterolateral triangle. The tumor was removed via rapid decompression, coagulation of the feeder from the meningohypophyseal trunk, and dissection along the cranial nerves. All but one patient had complete tumor excision. Transient ophthalmoparesis (complete resolution in 6–8 wk) was the most common surgical complication. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, we describe one of the largest series of pure extradural transcavernous approaches to CSHs. CSHs are uncommon but challenging cranial base lesions. The extradural transcavernous approach allows complete excision with minimal mortality or long-term morbidity.

Endoscopic Endonasal Approach to the Lateral Wall of the Cavernous Sinus: A Cadaveric Feasibility Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 127 (12) ◽  
pp. 903-911 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sameh M. Amin ◽  
Hesham Fathy ◽  
Ahmed Hussein ◽  
Mohamed Kamel ◽  
Ahmed Hegazy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Lateral Wall ◽  
Middle Cranial Fossa ◽  
Endonasal Approach ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
Maxillary Nerve ◽  
Bony Landmarks ◽  
Extradural Approach

Objective: A transcranial extradural approach to the middle cranial fossa (MCF) requires separation of the dural layers of the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus. The authors tested the feasibility of an endonasal approach for this separation. Methods: A cadaveric feasibility study was conducted on the sides of 14 dry skulls and 10 fresh cadaveric heads. An endonasal, transsphenoidal, transpterygoid approach was taken to the MCF. The maxillary struts and medial greater wing of the sphenoid below the superior orbital fissure were drilled with transposition of the maxillary nerve. The lateral cavernous dural layers were split at the maxillary nerve with separation of the temporal lobe dura and exposure of the MCF bony base. The integrity of the cranial nerves and inner and outer dural layers of the lateral cavernous wall was checked. Different measurements of bony landmarks were obtained. Results: The integrity of the dural layers of the lateral cavernous wall and the cranial nerves were preserved in 10 heads. The mean area of the bony corridor was 4.68 ± 0.97 cm2, the V2-to-V3 distance was 15.21 ± 3.36 mm medially and 18.21 ± 3.45 mm laterally, and the vidian canal length was 13.01 ± 3.06 mm. Conclusions: Endonasal endoscopic separation of the lateral cavernous dural layers is feasible without crossing the motor cranial nerves, allowing better exposure of the MCF.

scholarly journals Pure Endoscopic Lateral Orbitotomy Approach to the Cavernous Sinus, Posterior, and Infratemporal Fossae: Anatomic Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 80 (03) ◽  
pp. 295-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lili Laleva ◽  
Toma Spiriev ◽  
Iacopo Dallan ◽  
Alberto Prats-Galino ◽  
Giuseppe Catapano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Lateral Wall ◽  
Middle Cranial Fossa ◽  
Direct Access ◽  
Petrous Apex ◽  
Anatomic Study ◽  
Anterior Clinoid Process ◽  
Lateral Orbitotomy ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Cranial Fossa

Objective The aim of this anatomic study is to describe a fully endoscopic lateral orbitotomy extradural approach to the cavernous sinus, posterior, and infratemporal fossae. Material and Methods Three prefixed latex-injected head specimens (six orbital exposures) were used in the study. Before and after dissection, a computed tomography scan was performed on each cadaver head and a neuronavigation system was used to guide the approach. The extent of bone removal and the area of exposure of the targeted corridor were evaluated with the aid of OsiriX software (Pixmeo, Bernex, Switzerland). Results The lateral orbital approach offers four main endoscopic extradural routes: the anteromedial, posteromedial, posterior, and inferior. The anteromedial route allows a direct route to the optic canal by removal of the anterior clinoid process, whereas the posteromedial route allows for exposure of the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus. The posterior route is targeted to Meckel's cave and provides access to the posterior cranial fossa by exposure and drilling of the petrous apex, whereas the inferior route gives access to the pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossae by drilling the floor of the middle cranial fossa and the bone between the second and third branches of the trigeminal nerve. Conclusion The lateral orbitotomy endoscopic approach provides direct access to the cavernous sinus, posterior, and infratemporal fossae. Advantages of the approach include a favorable angle of attack, minimal brain retraction, and the possibility of dissection within the two dural layers of the cavernous sinus without entering its neurovascular compartment.

Surgical Approaches to the Cavernous Sinus: A Microsurgical Study

Neurosurgery ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 903-932 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tooru Inoue ◽  
Albert L. Rhoton ◽  
Dan Theele ◽  
Margaret E. Barry
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Infratemporal Fossa ◽  
Lateral Wall ◽  
Middle Cranial Fossa ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Anterior Clinoid Process ◽  
Anatomic Variants ◽  
Cranial Fossa ◽  
Extradural Approach

Abstract The surgical approaches to the cavernous sinus were examined in 50 adult cadaveric cavernous sinuses using magnification of ×3 to ×40. The following approaches were examined: 1) the superior intradural approach directed through a frontotemporal craniotomy and the roof of the cavernous sinus: 2) the superior intradural approach combined with an extradural approach for removing the anterior clinoid process and unroofing the optic canal and orbit; 3) the superomedial approach directed through a supraorbital craniotomy and subfrontal exposure to the wall of the sinus adjacent to the pituitary gland; 4) the lateral intradural approach directed below the temporal lobe to the lateral wall of the sinus; 5) the lateral extradural approach for exposure of the internal carotid artery in the floor of the middle cranial fossa proximal to the sinus; 6) the combined lateral and inferolateral approach, in which the infratemporal fossa was opened and the full course of the petrous carotid artery and the lateral wall of the sinus were exposed and; 7) the inferomedial approach, in which the medial wall of the sinus was exposed by the transnasal-transsphenoidal route. It was clear that a single approach was not capable of providing access to all parts of the sinus. The intracavernous structures best exposed by each route are reviewed. The osseous relationships in the region were examined in dry skulls. Anatomic variants important in exposing the cavernous sinus are reviewed.

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.

Endoscopic supraorbital extradural approach to the cavernous sinus: a cadaver study

2011 ◽  
Vol 114 (5) ◽  
pp. 1331-1337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fuminari Komatsu ◽  
Mika Komatsu ◽  
Tooru Inoue ◽  
Manfred Tschabitscher
Keyword(s):  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Complex Structure ◽  
Lateral Wall ◽  
Middle Cranial Fossa ◽  
Cadaver Study ◽  
Minimal Invasiveness ◽  
Small Complex ◽  
Transcranial Approach ◽  
Cranial Fossa ◽  
Extradural Approach

Object The cavernous sinus is a small complex structure located at the central base of the skull. Recent extensive use of endoscopy has provided less invasive approaches to the cavernous sinus via endonasal routes, although transcranial routes play an important role in the approach to the cavernous sinus. The aims of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of the purely endoscopic transcranial approach to the cavernous sinus through the supraorbital keyhole and to better understand the distorted anatomy of the cavernous sinus via endoscopy. Methods Eight fresh cadavers were studied using 4-mm 0° and 30° endoscopes to develop a surgical approach and to identify surgical landmarks. Results The endoscopic supraorbital extradural approach was divided into 4 stages: entry into the extradural anterior cranial fossa, exposure of the middle cranial fossa and the periorbita, exposure of the superior cavernous sinus, and exposure of the lateral cavernous sinus. This approach provided superb views of the cavernous sinus structures, especially through the clinoidal (Dolenc) triangle. The lateral wall of the cavernous sinus, including the infratrochlear (Parkinson) triangle and anteromedial (Mullan) triangle, was also clearly demonstrated. Conclusions An endoscopic supraorbital extradural approach offers excellent exposure of the superior and lateral walls of the cavernous sinus with minimal invasiveness via the transcranial route. This approach could be an alternative to the conventional transcranial approach.

Isolated Trigeminal Nerve Sarcoid Granuloma Mimicking Trigeminal Schwannoma: Case Report

Neurosurgery ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 700-705 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa ◽  
Edward F. Chang ◽  
Saad A. Khan ◽  
Michael W. McDermott
Keyword(s):  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Trigeminal Nerve ◽  
Facial Pain ◽  
Frozen Section ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Lateral Wall ◽  
Neurophysiological Monitoring ◽  
Pathology Report ◽  
Trigeminal Schwannoma ◽  
Sarcoid Granuloma

Abstract OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE Sarcoidosis most commonly presents as a systemic disorder. Infrequently, sarcoidosis can manifest itself in the central nervous system, with granulomas involving the leptomeninges and presenting with facial nerve weakness. Sarcoid of the trigeminal nerve is exceedingly rare and can mimic trigeminal schwannoma. We review the literature on sarcoid granulomas of the trigeminal nerve and compare their radiological features with the more common schwannoma. CLINICAL PRESENTATION A 33-year-old woman presented with a history of left-sided facial pain and numbness for 11 months, which was presumed to be trigeminal neuralgia. A trial of carbamazepine had been unsuccessful in relieving the facial pain. Her neurological examination revealed decreased facial sensation in the V1–V2 distribution. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a contrast-enhancing mass centered in the left cavernous sinus with extension along the cisternal portion of the left trigeminal nerve. INTERVENTION The patient underwent a left frontotemporal orbitozygomatic craniotomy with intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring of Cranial Nerves III, V, and VI and image guidance for subtotal microsurgical resection of what appeared, grossly and on frozen section, to be a neurofibroma. The final pathology report, however, revealed a sarcoid granuloma of the trigeminal nerve. CONCLUSION The differential diagnosis of contrast-enhancing lesions in the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus should include inflammatory conditions such as sarcoidosis. We recommend that surgery for biopsy or decompression be used only for those patients in whom a diagnosis cannot be confirmed with noninvasive testing. If surgery is performed, intraoperative frozen pathology is very useful in guiding the extent of resection.

Development of Artificial Cranial Base Model With Soft Tissues for Practical Education

2010 ◽  
Vol 66 (suppl_2) ◽  
pp. onsE339-onsE341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kentaro Mori ◽  
Takuji Yamamoto ◽  
Yasuaki Nakao ◽  
Takanori Esaki
Keyword(s):  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Dura Mater ◽  
Soft Tissues ◽  
Surgical Simulation ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Single Layer ◽  
Lateral Wall ◽  
Cranial Base ◽  
Superior Orbital Fissure ◽  
3 Dimensional

Abstract OBJECTIVE Improved educational tools for anatomic understanding and surgical simulation of the cranial base are needed because of the limited opportunities for cadaver dissection. A 3-dimensional cranial base model with retractable artificial dura mater is essential to simulate the epidural cranial base approach. METHODS We developed our 3-dimensional cranial base model with artificial dura mater, venous sinuses, cavernous sinus, internal carotid artery, and cranial nerves, and the extradural temporopolar approach was simulated using this new model. INSTRUMENTATION This model can be dissected with a surgical drill because of the artificial bone material. The periosteal dura was reconstructed in the medial wall of the cavernous sinus, periorbita, and periosteal bridge in the superior orbital fissure with yellow silicone. The meningeal dura was made with brown silicone. The single-layer dura mater could be dissected from the bone surface and retracted with a surgical spatula. RESULTS Extradural drilling of the superior orbital fissure and opening of the optic canal were similar to actual surgery. Extradural anterior clinoidectomy was performed via the extradural space by retracting the artificial dura mater. The artificial dura propria of the lateral wall in the cavernous sinus was successfully peeled from the artificial cranial nerves to complete the extradural temporopolar approach. CONCLUSION The improved 3-dimensional cranial base model provides a useful educational tool for the anatomic understanding and surgical simulation of extradural cranial base surgery.

scholarly journals The extradural temporopolar approach: a review of indications and operative technique

2008 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. E3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel Zada ◽  
J. Diaz Day ◽  
Steven L. Giannotta
Keyword(s):  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Basilar Artery ◽  
Operative Technique ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Artery Aneurysm ◽  
Lateral Wall ◽  
Superior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Trigeminal Schwannoma ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Brain Retraction

Object The extradural temporopolar approach is used for enhanced exposure of the cavernous sinus and petroclival regions in the treatment of complex lesions not amenable to sole treatment via radiosurgical or endovascular methods. The authors' objective was to review the indications, surgical experience, and operative technique in a series of patients who underwent surgery with this approach. Methods The authors conducted a retrospective review to identify patients who underwent a temporopolar approach from 1992 to 2008. An orbitozygomatic craniotomy was frequently used, followed by extradural retraction of the temporal lobe. A sequential progression of bone removal at the anterior and middle skull base, followed by opening the layers of the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus was next performed to safely retract the brain and widen the exposure to the cavernous sinus, interpeduncular fossa, and upper petroclival regions. Results Sixty-six patients were identified and included in the study. The mean patient age was 49 years. The main indications for surgery were as follows: meningioma (25 patients, 38%), basilar artery aneurysm (11 patients, 17%), trigeminal schwannoma (7 patients, 11%), chordoma (5 patients, 7%), hemangioma (3 patients, 5%), pituitary adenoma (3 patients, 5%), superior cerebellar artery aneurysm (3 patients, 5%), and other lesions (9 patients, 14%). Complications included hemiparesis in 4 patients (6%), infarcts in 4 patients (6%), transient aphasia in 1 patient (1.5%), and cranial nerve paresis in 20 patients (30%). Conclusions The extradural temporopolar approach offers a relatively safe and wide exposure of the sphenocavernous and petroclival regions. Mobilization of the cranial nerves and internal carotid artery allow gentle brain retraction and maximal preservation of venous outflow. This is an advantageous approach to large tumors in these regions and for complex upper basilar artery or superior cerebellar artery aneurysms.

Microsurgical Anatomy Of The Oculomotor Cistern

2006 ◽  
Vol 58 (suppl_4) ◽  
pp. ONS-220-ONS-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina Martins ◽  
Alexandre Yasuda ◽  
Alvaro Campero ◽  
Albert L. Rhoton
Keyword(s):  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Average Length ◽  
Lateral Wall ◽  
Posterior Wall ◽  
Oculomotor Nerve ◽  
Microsurgical Anatomy ◽  
Lower Margin ◽  
Anterior Clinoid Process ◽  
Interpeduncular Cistern ◽  
Adjacent Part

Abstract Objective: To define the characteristics of the arachnoidal sleeve and cistern that accompany the oculomotor nerve through the cavernous sinus roof. Methods: Forty cavernous sinuses were examined using 3 to 40x magnification. Information was obtained about the size of the oculomotor cistern and its relationship to the roof of the cavernous sinus and anterior clinoid process. Results: An arachnoidal sleeve and cistern, referred to as the oculomotor cistern, accompanied the oculomotor nerve into the roof of all the cavernous sinuses examined. The oculomotor cistern extends from the oculomotor porus, where the nerve enters the roof of the cavernous sinus, to the area below the tip or the adjacent part of the lower margin of the anterior clinoid process. From the porus, the nerve passes forward and downward to the depth of the cistern where it becomes incorporated into the fibrous lateral wall of the cavernous sinus. The width of the cistern was maximal at the oculomotor porus averaged 5.5 mm (range, 3.0–9.2 mm), and tapered slightly towards the midpoint and deep end of the cistern. The cistern's average length was 6.5 mm (range, 3.0–11.0 mm). The oculomotor nerve usually coursed closer to the anterior than the posterior wall of the cistern at the level of the oculomotor porus. Conclusion: The oculomotor cistern, an arachnoidal and dural cuff, accompanies the oculomotor nerve through the cavernous sinus roof to the area just below or anterior to the lower edge of the tip of the anterior clinoid process. The segment of the nerve inside the oculomotor cistern is interposed between its free portion in the interpeduncular cistern and the part of its course where it is incorporated into the fibrous lateral wall of the cavernous sinus. The cistern can be opened to aid in the exposure and mobilization of the nerve in dealing with pathology in the area.

Lateral orbital wall approach to the cavernous sinus

2012 ◽  
Vol 116 (4) ◽  
pp. 755-763 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamer Altay ◽  
Bhupendra C. K. Patel ◽  
William T. Couldwell
Keyword(s):  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Anatomical Study ◽  
Lateral Wall ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Illustrative Case ◽  
Anterior Clinoid Process ◽  
Cavernous Sinus Meningioma ◽  
Orbital Wall ◽  
Extradural Approach ◽  
Brain Retraction

Object Lesions of the cavernous sinus remain a technical challenge. The most common surgical approaches involve some variation of the standard frontotemporal craniotomy. Here, the authors describe a surgical approach to access the cavernous sinus that involves the removal of the lateral orbital wall. Methods To achieve exposure of the cavernous sinus, a lateral canthal incision is performed, and the lateral orbital rim and anterior lateral wall are removed, for later replacement at closure. The posterior lateral orbital wall is removed to the region of the superior and inferior orbital fissures. With reflection of the dural covering of the lateral cavernous sinus and removal of the anterior clinoid process, the cavernous sinus is exposed. Results Exposure and details of the procedure were derived from anatomical study in cadavers. After the approach, with removal of the anterior clinoid process, the entire cavernous sinus from the superior orbital fissure anteriorly to the Meckel cave posteriorly is exposed. More exposure to the lateral middle fossa, foramen spinosum, and petrous carotid artery is obtained by further removal of the lateral sphenoid wing. An illustrative case example for approaching a cavernous sinus meningioma is presented. Conclusions The translateral orbital wall approach provides a simple, rapid approach for lesions with primary or secondary involvement of the cavernous sinus. Advantages of this simple, extradural approach include the lack of brain retraction and no interruption of the temporalis muscle.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document