A Novel Diamond-Shaped Anatomical Model to Learn the In Vivo Endoscopic Anatomy of the Posterior Third Ventricle

Technological advancements have allowed a safe endoscopic approach to the posterior third ventricle. This approach provides a unique view of the pineal region from an anterior perspective that many neurosurgeons are unfamiliar with. Understanding the normal endoscopic anatomy can help with surgical orientation when encountering pathological derangements in this region. Early intraoperative observations of the normal posterior third ventricle with low-resolution fiberscopes were interpreted as having a diamond shape that led to the development of a model used for education over time.

This study aimed to describe a simple anatomical model of the normal endoscopic anatomy of the posterior third ventricle, along with some of its pathologic variations.

Digital illustrations were used to enhance the first-generation, low-resolution fiberscopic images that led to a geometrical teaching model.

Illustrations effectively enhanced the early observations of the posterior third ventricular relationships in geometric terms and validated the diamond-shaped model.

Digitally enhanced illustrations of low-resolution images developed from early observations with first-generation fiberscopes validated the endoscopic geometric appearance of the posterior third ventricle as a diamond. The diamond model presented is a useful educational tool for learning and understanding the anatomy of the posterior wall of the third ventricle.