Cadaveric Sheep Head Model for Anterior Clinoidectomy in Neurosurgical Training

Abstract

Anterior clinoidectomy is an important procedure used in the treatment of a range of diseases of the frontotemporal region, both vascular and tumoral. Mastering this technique requires a high level of manual skills training. The objective of the study was to describe an easily accessible and economical alternative model of anterior clinoidectomy, with a principal focus on the significance of mastering technical skills and training tactile feedback. Five cadaveric sheep heads (10 sides) fixed in formalin and alcohol were injected with silicone and used to simulate extradural (5 sides) and intradural (5 sides) routes and 1 head was used to prepare an anatomic specimen for better demonstration of the anatomy of the paraclinoid region. A comparative anatomic analysis between the ovine and human anterior clinoid process was performed. Using cadaveric sheep models, all principal steps of the procedure for both the extradural and the intradural routes were imitated. A cadaveric sheep head model serves as a good model of anterior clinoidectomy regarding manual skills training and can serve as a good alternative to human cadaveric training.