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.

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.

scholarly journals Spontaneous Temporal Lobe Encephalocele Within the Sphenoid Sinus

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-66
Author(s):  
Mohammed Dhaha ◽  
Abdelhafidh Sliman ◽  
Nadhir Karmeni ◽  
Sawsen Dhambri ◽  
Jalel Kallel
Keyword(s):  
Sphenoid Sinus ◽  
Lateral Wall ◽  
Middle Cranial Fossa ◽  
Clinical Aspect ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Skull Defect ◽  
Lethal Complications ◽  
Transcranial Approach ◽  
Cranial Fossa

Encephaloceles are herniation of cranial content arising from a skull defect. Encephaloceles of the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus (ELWSS) are  uncommon events. In most cases, these cranial hernias are secondary to trauma and craniofacial surgery. Spontaneous forms are evenrarer and not well understood. The most adopted hypothesis is a persisting Sternberg’s canal, an embryonic remnant connecting the middle cranial fossa and the nasopharynx. ELWSS are usually revealed by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Diagnosis of this disease necessitates quick management due to the potential of lethal complications such as meningitis. We report the case of a spontaneous ELWSS in a 53-year-old woman revealed by CSF leak which was successfully managed with a conventional transcranial approach. We focus on the clinical aspect and pathogenesis of the disease, and discuss the main possible surgical approaches. Keywords: Spontaneous encephalocele, Sphenoid sinus, CSF leak, Transcranial approach

Endoscopic approaches to the trigeminal nerve and clinical consideration for trigeminal schwannomas: a cadaveric study

2012 ◽  
Vol 117 (4) ◽  
pp. 690-696 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fuminari Komatsu ◽  
Mika Komatsu ◽  
Antonio Di Ieva ◽  
Manfred Tschabitscher
Keyword(s):  
Trigeminal Nerve ◽  
Infratemporal Fossa ◽  
Lateral Wall ◽  
Middle Cranial Fossa ◽  
Minimal Invasiveness ◽  
Trigeminal Schwannoma ◽  
Minimally Invasive Surgical ◽  
Anterior Petrosectomy ◽  
Cranial Fossa ◽  
Neurovascular Structures

Object The course of the trigeminal nerve straddles multiple fossae and is known to be very complex. Comprehensive anatomical knowledge and skull base techniques are required for surgical management of trigeminal schwannomas. The aims of this study were to become familiar with the endoscopic anatomy of the trigeminal nerve and to develop a minimally invasive surgical strategy for the treatment of trigeminal schwannomas. Methods Ten fresh cadavers were studied using 5 endoscopic approaches with the aid of 4-mm 0° and 30° endoscopes to identify surgical landmarks associated with the trigeminal nerve. The endoscopic approaches included 3 transcranial keyhole approaches (the extradural supraorbital, extradural subtemporal, and retrosigmoid approaches), and 2 endonasal approaches (the transpterygoid and the transmaxillary transpterygoid approaches). Results The trajectories of the extradural supraorbital, transpterygoid, and extradural subtemporal approaches corresponded with the course of the first, second, and third divisions of the trigeminal nerve, respectively. The 3 approaches demonstrated each division in intra- and extracranial spaces, as well as the Meckel cave in the middle cranial fossa. The interdural space at the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus was exposed by the extradural supraorbital and subtemporal approaches. The extradural subtemporal approach with anterior petrosectomy and the retrosigmoid approach visualized the trigeminal sensory root and its neighboring neurovascular structures in the posterior cranial fossa. The transmaxillary transpterygoid approach revealed the course of the third division in the infratemporal fossa. Conclusions The 5 endoscopic approaches effectively followed the course of the trigeminal nerve with minimal invasiveness. These approaches could provide alternative options for the management of trigeminal schwannoma.

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.

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.

Glial Heterotopia of Sphenoid in Association with a Patent Sternberg's Canal presenting with Meningitis

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-25
Author(s):  
R Suma ◽  
KJ Jeena ◽  
VM Pavithran ◽  
A Govindan
Keyword(s):  
Sphenoid Sinus ◽  
Radiological Finding ◽  
Lateral Wall ◽  
Middle Cranial Fossa ◽  
Developmental Anomaly ◽  
Csf Rhinorrhea ◽  
Cranial Fossa ◽  
Extended Endoscopic Approach ◽  
Glial Heterotopia ◽  
Csf Leaks

ABSTRACT Ectopic glial tissue, presenting at various sites of body is a rare embryonic developmental anomaly. Very few cases are reported in adults, most being incidentally detected, revealed only by histopathological findings. One of the rarest locations is the sphenoid sinus. We present here the case of a middle aged female, presenting with spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea and meningitis. With the radiological finding of a soft tissue density in sphenoid sinus with erosion of left temporal skull base, she underwent lateral craniotomy, with excision of the mass and middle cranial fossa floor repair. Histopathology revealed a heterotopic glial tissue. Peroperative finding of a well-defined defect in the lateral wall of an extensively pneumatized sphenoid showed typical features of a patent Sternberg's canal. This case could be a living proof for the existence of this rare developmental anomaly. A persisting Sternberg's canal should be considered as the source of spontaneous CSF leaks with or without lesions in sphenoid sinuses with extensive lateral pneumatization. Most of the cases may be treated with an extended endoscopic approach. Extreme lateral lesions like this would benefit most from a craniotomy approach for proper closure of skullbase defect. Three years after successful surgery, she remains symptom free.

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