VIDIAN CANAL– A LANDMARK FOR IDENTIFICATION OF THE INTERNAL CAROTID ARTERY DURING SKULL BASE SURGERY

DR KC PRASAD; DR MANNA JOSE PAPPANACHERRY; DR LINU THOMAS

Volume : VII, Issue : III, March - 2018

VIDIAN CANAL– A LANDMARK FOR IDENTIFICATION OF THE INTERNAL CAROTID ARTERY DURING SKULL BASE SURGERY

Dr Kc Prasad, Dr Manna Jose Pappanacherry, Dr Linu Thomas

Abstract :

The relationship of the vidian canal to the anterior genu of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is one of the most important anatomical relationships that must be understood to achieve endoscopic control of the petrous internal carotid artery. This study, was performed in the dissection laboratory of the department of otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery in Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College from 2016 to 2018. Ten fresh cadaveric specimens (20 sides) provided by the department of anatomy were a part of this study. The carotid artery was superior and medial to the vidian canal in all cadavers on both sides. The vidian canal and nerve were constant landmarks to help identify the anterior genu and lacerum segment of the ICA, as the nerve runs on the anterolateral aspect of the ICA. Therefore drilling inferior and medial to the vidian nerve provided the safest access to the anterior genu of the ICA.