Acquisition of Volumetric Models of Skull Base Anatomy Using Endoscopic Endonasal Approaches: 3D Scanning of Deep Corridors Via Photogrammetry

Abstract

In this study we aim to evaluate the feasibility of creating volumetric models of highly intricate skull-base anatomy-previously not amenable to volumetric reconstruction-using endoscopic endonasal approaches. Ten human cadaveric heads were dissected through the nasal corridor to expose anterior, middle, and posterior cranial fossi structures and the pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossi. A rigid endoscope with a 30° lens was used to capture the images. Subsequently, a photogrammetry software was used to align, smooth, and texturize the images into a complete 3-dimensional model. An average of 174 photographs were used to construct each model (n= 10). In the end, we achieved high-definition stereoscopic volumetric models of the nasal corridor; paranasal fossae; and anterior, middle and posterior fossae structures that preserved structural integrity. Strategic points of interests were labeled and animated for educational use. Endoscopic volumetric models represent a new way to depict the anatomy of the skull base; their use with 3-dimensional technologies could potentially improve the visuospatial understanding of narrow surgical corridors for education and surgical-planning purposes.