Three-dimensional Cavernous Sinus Model for understanding Cavernous Sinus-related Surgical Anatomy

Abstract

Experience with dissection of the cavernous sinus (CS), one of the most complicated structures in the brain, is essential for understanding its anatomy and training in CS-related skull base surgery, but only a limited number of neurosurgical residents have the opportunity of cadaver dissection. A three-dimensional (3D) skull model is proposed for such surgical training which incorporates artificial dura mater, the CS, and the cranial nerves. The 3D skull model was produced by a selective laser sintering method. The CS and double-layer dura mater were modeled with silicone, cranial nerves with rubber fibers or sponge, and the internal carotid artery with vinyl tube. The model could be dissected, and the anterior clinoidectomy and peeling of the meningeal dura (dura propria) from the lateral wall of the CS were performed in almost the same way as in actual surgery. The process of making the skull model with CS-related structures and observation of the dissected CS model facilitate further understanding of the stereoscopic anatomy of the CS.