Endoscopic Endonasal Approach to the Middle Cranial Fossa through the Cavernous Sinus Triangles: Anatomical Considerations |
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| Authors: | Fuminari KOMATSU Shinri ODA Masami SHIMODA Masaaki IMAI Hideaki SHIGEMATSU Mika KOMATSU Manfred TSCHABITSCHER Mitsunori MATSUMAE |
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| Institution: | 1.Department of Neurosurgery, Tokai University Hachioji Hospital, Tokyo;;2.Center of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria;;3.Human Anatomy, Section of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Brescia University, Brescia, Italy;;4.Department of Neurosurgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Kanagawa |
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| Abstract: | The lateral limit of endoscopic endonasal surgery has yet to be defined. The aim of this study was to investigate the lateral limit of endoscopic endonasal surgery at the level of the sphenoid sinus. Access from the sphenoid sinus to the middle cranial fossa through the cavernous sinus triangles was evaluated by cadaver dissection. Anatomical analysis demonstrated that the medial temporal dura mater was exposed through the anterior area of the clinoidal triangle, anteromedial triangle, and superior area of the anterolateral triangle, indicating potential corridors to the middle cranial fossa. This study suggests that the cavernous sinus triangles are applicable in selected cases to manage middle cranial fossa lesions by endoscopic endonasal surgery. |
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| Keywords: | cavernous sinus endoscopy internal carotid artery skull base |
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