Subscribe to RSS
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-3399590
Foundations of Advanced Neuroanatomy: Technical Guidelines for Specimen Preparation, Dissection, and 3D-Photodocumentation in a Surgical Anatomy Laboratory
Acknowledgments The authors are grateful to the Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation, for their extraordinary support of these research activities, as well as the legacy of Prof. Rhoton throughout the community of academic neurosurgery. The authors also acknowledge the support received from Mr. Shaun G. Heath, Mr. Joshua Lopez, and Dr. Michael Smith.The Northeast Prof. Rhoton Skull Base Dissection Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York received funds from the NREF through the Young Investigator Award 2017, given to M.P.C., and received grants from Medtronic, Stryker, and Storz.
The Mayo Clinic Skull Base Research Laboratory was partially founded by the Endowment for Education Research Award, awarded by the Mayo Clinic Foundation to M.J.L. (PI), and M.P.C. (collaborator).
This study was financed in part by the “Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior—Brasil (CAPES) - Finance Code 001” which contributed funding L.C.P.C.L. during his fellowship in the Skull Base Dissection Laboratory in the Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics in Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York.
Abstract
Objective This study was aimed to provide a key update to the seminal works of Prof. Albert L. Rhoton Jr., MD, with particular attention to previously unpublished insights from the oral tradition of his fellows, recent technological advances including endoscopy, and high-dynamic range (HDR) photodocumentation, and, local improvements in technique, we have developed to optimize efficient neuroanatomic study.
Methods Two formaldehyde-fixed cadaveric heads were injected with colored latex to demonstrate step-by-step specimen preparation for microscopic or endoscopic dissection. One formaldehyde-fixed brain was utilized to demonstrate optimal three-dimensional (3D) photodocumentation techniques.
Results Key steps of specimen preparation include vessel cannulation and securing, serial tap water flushing, specimen drainage, vessel injection with optimized and color-augmented latex material, and storage in 70% ethanol. Optimizations for photodocumentation included the incorporation of dry black drop cloth and covering materials, an imaging-oriented approach to specimen positioning and illumination, and single-camera stereoscopic capture techniques, emphasizing the three-exposure-times-per-eye approach to generating images for HDR postprocessing. Recommended tools, materials, and technical nuances were emphasized throughout. Relative advantages and limitations of major 3D projection systems were comparatively assessed, with sensitivity to audience size and purpose specific recommendations.
Conclusion We describe the first consolidated step-by-step approach to advanced neuroanatomy, including specimen preparation, dissection, and 3D photodocumentation, supplemented by previously unpublished insights from the Rhoton fellowship experience and lessons learned in our laboratories in the past years such that Prof. Rhoton's model can be realized, reproduced, and expanded upon in surgical neuroanatomy laboratories worldwide.
Keywords
skull base - endoscopy - imaging - three-dimensional photography - dissection - anatomy - neuroanatomy - educationPublication History
Received: 22 March 2019
Accepted: 18 July 2019
Article published online:
28 November 2019
© 2019. Thieme. All rights reserved.
Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany