Aida hd system

All patients were screened to exclude any contraindication to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All data were acquired using a 3-Tesla Magnetom Verio^® (Siemens, Erlangen, Germany). Intraoperative scans were performed with 8−channel 2−part coils and compatible head holders (NORAS MRI products GmbH, Hochberg, Germany). EEA was performed using skull base neurosurgical endoscopic instruments, including 4-mm rod-lens endoscopes (0°, 30° and 45°) that were coupled to a high-definition camera and an AIDA HD system (Karl Storz GmbH and Co.). Four-hand technique was used, both surgeons were neurosurgeons. Medial or lateral cavernous approaches were performed when needed. Prior performing IO-MRI scan, primary surgeon declared and noted his decision if he thinks there is residual tumor or not. Following IO-MRI scan, if there is a residual tumor primary surgeon decided for further removal of tumor or not. All patients underwent a final post-operative MRI scan when the senior surgeon decided not to continue the surgery. Cavernous sinus invasion was classified according to Knosp Grading (22 (link)).

All dissections were performed in the Surgical Neuroanatomy Laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh. This study was approved by the local institutional research committee. Six cadaveric specimens (12 sides) were used. Each cadaveric head was injected with colored silicone; red silicone for the arterial system and blue for the venous system. Endoscopes (0° and 30°) coupled with a high-definition camera and an AIDA HD system (Karl Storz GmbH and Co.) were used to provide excellent visualization [3 (link)]. Stepwise dissection via the combined endoscopic transnasal and anterior transmaxillary approach was performed to present the landmarks of the upper PPS and the middle skull base. The optimal approach obtained from the anatomical study was applied in patients with tumors arising from the upper PPS.