Transoral Endoscopic Localization of the Parapharyngeal Internal Carotid Artery

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Transoral Endoscopic Localization of the Parapharyngeal Internal Carotid Artery Via Journal of Neurological Surgery Part B: Skull Base J Neurol Surg B Skull Base DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1722229 Objectives To define transoral endoscopic surgical landmarks for the parapharyngeal segment of the internal carotid artery (ppICA) using cadaveric dissection. Materials and Methods Ten fresh cadaveric heads were dissected to demonstrate the parapharyngeal space anatomy and course of the ppICA as seen in a transoral approach. Anatomical measurements of the distance between the ppICA and bony landmarks were recorded and analyzed. Results The stylohyoid ligament, styloglossus, and stylopharyngeus could be considered to be the safe anterior boundary of the ppICA in the transoral approach; among them, the styloid ligament was the most rigid tissue. Dissection between the stylopharyngeus muscle and superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle provides direct access to the ppICA. At the level of the skull base, the distance from the root of the styloid process to the lateral margin of the external aperture of the carotid canal on the left side and on the right side was 8.57 ± 1.97 and 8.80 ± 1.21 mm, respectively. At the level of the maxillary tuberosity, the distance from the ppICA to the maxillary tuberosity on the left side and on the right side was 31.48 ± 2.24 and 31.01 ± 2.88 mm, respectively. Conclusion The endoscopic-assisted transoral approach can facilitate exposure of the ppICA. The root of the styloid process, styloid ligament, and maxillary tuberosity are critical landmarks in the identification of the ppICA in the transoral approach. [...] Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany Article in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.