A three-dimensional computer-based perspective of the skull base.

Objective: To describe our designed protocol for the reconstruction of three-dimensional (3D) models applied to various endoscopic endonasal approaches that allows performing a 3D virtual dissection of the desired approach and analyzing and quantifying critical surgical landmarks.

Methods: All human cadaveric heads were dissected at the Laboratory of Surgical Neuroanatomy of the University of Barcelona. The dissection anatomic protocol was designed as follows: 1) virtual surgery simulation systems, 2) navigated cadaver dissection, and 3) postdissection analysis and quantification of data.

Anatomic skull base education using advanced neuroimaging techniques.

Objective: The goal of the present article was to describe our dissection training system applied to a variety of endoscopic endonasal approaches. It allows one to perform a 3D virtual dissection of the desired approach and to analyze and quantify critical surgical measurements.

Methods: All the human cadaveric heads were dissected at the Laboratory of Surgical Neuro-Anatomy (LSNA) of the University of Barcelona (Spain).

The use of a three-dimensional novel computer-based model for analysis of the endonasal endoscopic approach to the midline skull base.

Objectives: To apply a three-dimensional geometric model to various endoscopic endonasal approaches to analyze the bony anatomy of this area, quantify preoperatively bone removal, and optimize surgical planning.

Methods: Investigators dissected 18 human cadaveric heads at the Laboratory of Surgical NeuroAnatomy (LSNA) of the University of Barcelona (Spain). Before and after each dissection, a computed tomography (CT) scan was performed to create a three-dimensional geometric model of the approach performed in the dissection room.

Preliminary experience with a new three-dimensional computer-based model for the study and the analysis of skull base approaches.

Purpose: The goal of the present study was to develop a three-dimensional (3D) geometrical model based on pre- and post-dissection Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) images of both transcranial and endonasal skull base approaches. Such model was structured for either teaching surgical anatomy and to evaluate the amount of bone removal over the skull base surface through a 3D digital perspective.

Methods: Twenty-five human cadaveric heads were dissected at the Laboratory of Surgical NeuroAnatomy (LSNA) of the University of Barcelona (Spain) between 2007 and 2009.

Endoscopic endonasal transclival approach and retrosigmoid approach to the clival and petroclival regions.

Objective: The removal of clival lesions, mainly those located intradurally and with a limited lateral extension, may be challenging because of the lack of a surgical corridor that would allow exposure of the entire lesion surface. In this anatomic study, we explored the clival/petroclival area and the cerebellopontine angle via both the endonasal and retrosigmoid endoscopic routes, aiming to describe the respective degree of exposure and visual limitations.

Methods: Twelve fresh cadaver heads were positioned to simulate a semisitting position, thus enabling the use of both endonasal and retrosigmoid routes, which were explored using a 4-mm rigid endoscope as the sole visualizing tool.