Development of an experimental model for the study of nasosinusal and skull base arterial system using iodinated contrast and latex in specimens's vessels

Abstract

Introductioncadaver dissection is the most reliable and safe form of anatomical study; computed tomography is an essential exam for the nasosinusal and skull base anatomical understanding, surgery planning and vascularization knowledge of a complex region. In this way, the convergence of radiological and surgical information becomes essential.ObjectiveTo propose an experimental model of tomographic study of the skull base arterial and venous network (focus on the anterior ethmoidal artery) before doing the dissections. Secondarily, we aim to ensure the dissection of skull base and simulation of endoscopic surgery on a reliability much closer to that found in vivo.Methodsfour cadaver heads previously preserved in 10% formaldehyde remained for 72 hours in a solution of quaternary ammonium salt dimethyl ethanol mono/dialkyl siloxane. The arterial and venous network (the common carotid arteries, vertebral arteries, and internal jugular veins) were washed with a saline solution before being injected with a solution of latex, fabric paint and Ultravist 300. Sequentially, tomographic acquisitions were performed.Partial resultsAfter the solution injection of Ultravist 300, fabric paint and latex, it was possible to obtain tomographic acquisitions for a detailed study of the nasosinusal and skull base vessels. As a secondary result, we obtained a greater enrichment of information through the combined radiological and surgical study, which is represented by the dissections.DiscussionThe use of iodinated contrast to the injected solution allowed the acquisition of computed tomography for a radiological study of the skull base vessels (as the anterior ethmoidal artery and its anatomical variations, that should be identified in a tomographic study or neuronavigation system before beginning dissected). With precise tomographic acquisitions and subsequent software processing, became possible to perform a three‐dimensional reconstruction of the vessels of the skull base, optimizing the study and learning of this anatomical region.ConclusionIt was possible to perform an experimental model using iodinated contrast and latex injection on specimens' vessels for a tomographic evaluation of nasosinusal and skull base vessels preceding the dissection. The injection of colored latex highlighted the vascular structures allowing an improvement of the anatomical knowledge of this region during the dissection.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.