Elucidation of the Cranial Arterial Anatomy Using the Transorbital Endoscopic Approach

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Vascular Surgery
• Endoscopic Techniques

Background:

• Transorbital neuroendoscopic surgery utilizes novel surgical techniques to access the orbit and intracranial cavity.
• The superior eyelid route is a feasible transorbital corridor for anterior and middle skull base pathologies.
• Limited studies exist on the suitability of this approach for vascular surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define the arterial vascular structures accessible via the superior eyelid transorbital endoscopic approach.
• To evaluate the potential of this approach in vascular neurosurgery.

Main Methods:

• Bilateral transorbital endoscopic dissections were performed on 4 cadavers.
• The superior eyelid approach was utilized as the transorbital corridor.
• A 0-degree endoscope was used for dissections.

Main Results:

• The M1 and M2 segments of the middle cerebral artery were accessible.
• Branches originating from the middle cerebral artery were identified and accessible.
• Appropriate dissection allowed visualization of these vascular structures.

Conclusions:

• The endoscopic superior eyelid approach is a viable corridor for accessing specific cranial vascular structures.
• This approach may represent a novel alternative for certain cranial pathologies, particularly in vascular neurosurgery.