title: Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the working area obtained by endoscope and microscope in pterional and orbitozigomatic approach to the basilar artery bifurcation using computed tomography based frameless stereotaxy: A cadaver study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Basilar aneurisms are one of the most complex and challenging pathologies for neurosurgeons to treat. Endoscopy is a recently rediscovered neurosurgical technique that could lend itself well to overcome some of the vascular visualization challenges associated with this pathology. The purpose of this study was to quantify and compare the basilar artery (BA) bifurcation (tip of the basilar) working area afforded by the microscope and the endoscope using different approaches and image guidance.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a total of 9 dissections, including pterional (PT) and orbitozygomatic (OZ) approaches bilaterally in five whole, fresh cadaver heads. We used computed tomography based image guidance for intraoperative navigation as well as for quantitative measurements. We estimated the working area of the tip of the basilar, using both a rigid endoscope and an operating microscope. Operability was qualitatively assessed by the senior authors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In microscopic exposure, the OZ approach provided greater working area (160 ± 34.3 mm(2)) compared to the PT approach (129.8 ± 37.6 mm(2)) (P > 0.05). The working area in both PT and OZ approaches using 0° and 30° endoscopes was larger than the one available using the microscope alone (P < 0.05). In the PT approach, both 0° and 30° endoscopes provided a working area greater than a microscopic OZ approach (P < 0.05) and an area comparable to the OZ endoscopic approach (P > 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Integration of endoscope and microscope in both PT and OZ approaches can provide significantly greater surgical exposure of the BA bifurcation compared to that afforded by the conventional approaches alone.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, Dardinger Microneurosurgical Skull Base Laboratory, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.
authors.forename: Venko
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Filipce
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, Dardinger Microneurosurgical Skull Base Laboratory, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ammirati
keywords: Basilar artery; endoscope assisted microneurosurgery; endoscopy; frameless stereotaxy; orbitozygomatic approach; pterional approach