A microanatomical study of anterior subtemporal transepidual-anterior transpetrous keyhole approach assisted by neuronavigation / 中国神经精神疾病杂志

ABSTRACT

Background To investigate the feasibility of a novel anterior subtemporal transepidural-anterior transpetrous keyhole approach assisted by neuronavigation in attempt to apply the keyhole conception to imitate a new keyhole approach and to observe microanatomical structures, which can be regard as the base of this approach for clinical use. Methods The new keyhole approach was imitated by using ten adult cadaveric heads fixed in 10% formalin and perfused intracranial vessels with colored silicone. Under operative microscope, the anatomic structures were observed and important structures were measured after the maximal anterior petrous bone removal and the cavernous sinus exposure. Results The approach could provide a full visualization for the lateral structures and the internal contents of the cavernous sinus. The upper and middle clivus, the cerebellopintine angle, basilar artery and anterior inferior cerebellar artery were exposed after the maximal anterior petrous bone removal. Conclusions It is feasible to perform the anterior subtemporal transepidural-anterior transpetrous keyhole approach on operation of lesions involved in the cavernous sinus or/and the upper and middle clival regions.