An anatomical analysis of the mini-modified orbitozygomatic and supra-orbital approaches.

Seven sides of cadaver heads were used to compare the surgical exposures provided by the mini-modified orbitozygomatic (MOz) and supra-orbital (SO) approaches. The Optotrak 3020 computerized tracking system (Northern Digital, Waterloo, ON, Canada) was utilized to evaluate the area of anatomical exposure defined by six points: (1) ipsilateral sphenoid ridge; (2) most distal point of the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA); (3) most distal point of the ipsilateral posterior cerebral artery (PCA); (4) most distal point of the contralateral PCA; (5) most distal point of the contralateral MCA; and (6) contralateral sphenoid ridge. Additionally, angles of approach for the ipsilateral MCA bifurcation, ipsilateral ICA bifurcation, basilar artery tip, contralateral MCA and ICA bifurcation and anterior communicating artery (AcomA) were evaluated, first for SO and then for MOz.

Quantification and comparison of telovelar and transvermian approaches to the fourth ventricle.

Objective: To quantify the exposure to the fourth ventricle obtained with the telovelar and transvermian approaches.

Methods: The telovelar, with and without C1 posterior arch removal, and transvermian approaches were performed on six cadaveric heads. The area of surgical exposure was calculated from triangles formed by defined anatomic points.

Comparative analysis of anterior petrosectomy and transcavernous approaches to retrosellar and upper clival basilar artery aneurysms.

Objective: To compare two techniques, transcavernous approach (TcA) and anterior petrosectomy (AP), used to manage retrosellar and upper clival basilar artery (BA) aneurysms.

Methods: AP and TcA were carried out on nine sides of cadaver heads. With use of a computerized tracking system, the area of surgical exposure in the ventral surface of the brain stem, the superficial area of exposure, and the linear exposure of the BA were evaluated.