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Skull Base 2001; 11(3): 177-188
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-16606
ORIGINAL ARTICLES

Copyright © 2001 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Exposure of the Petrous Segment of the Internal Carotid Artery Through the Extradural Subtemporal Middle Cranial Fossa Approach: A Systematic Anatomical Study

Pietro Mortini1 , Carlo Mandelli1 , Simonetta Gerevini2 , Massimo Giovanelli1
  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
  • 2Department of Neuroradiology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Publication History

Publication Date:
24 August 2001 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The relationships between the horizontal segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and other petrous apex structures was studied in 14 anatomical specimens obtained from routine autopsies and on 10 magnetic resonance images obtained from healthy volunteers. The dissection was performed under an operating microscope using the middle fossa transpetrous approach. A pentagon-shaped area of 67.91 mm;s2 posterior to the trigeminal nerve and bordered by anatomical structures was identified inside the petrous apex. The results suggest a method for exposing the ICA when the artery is not visible after dural elevation.

KEYWORD

Carotid artery - skull base - transpetrous approach - temporal bone anatomy

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