[Endoscopic anatomy of the superior petrosal vein]

The structural topographic features of a constantly present surgically significant formation--the superior petrosal vein--were disclosed on the basis of postmortem examination of the region of the cerebellopontile angle (204 cases) by means of fine endofibroscopes introduced through a small trephination opening behind the mastoid process of the temporal bone. The method provides for detailed appraisal of the microtopography of the vessel in three-dimensional space without disturbing the regional structural relationships, and makes it possible to disclose more exactly the character of the connection of the vein with the meninges and to determine the variants of the topography of its orifice and the types of formation of the main venous collector without damaging this easily injured vessel. The surgical significance of the recorded features of the structure of the superior petrosal vein is shown.