An observation of the third ventricle under flexible fiberoptic ventriculoscope: normal structure

The third ventricle, which is deeply seated in the center of the brain, is one of the most inaccessible regions from which to obtain information before surgery. A new flexible fiberoptic endoscope for examination of the ventricles is presented herein. The main advantages of this new device over existing fiberoptic instruments are the extended flexibility of the tip and its small diameter. Using this endoscope, one can observe the third ventricle in situ in patients with hydrocephalus associated with various lesions. The neural and vascular structures in the inner wall of the third ventricle are also illustrated.