Analytical and comparative study of pterional craniotomy in relation to temporalis muscle dissection techniques: interfascial temporalis flap and myocutaneous flap

• Grant number: 24/09324-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2024
• End date: October 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Surgery
• Principal Investigator: Eberval Gadelha Figueiredo
• Grantee: Pedro Henrique Mouty Rabello
• Host Institution: Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da USP (HCFMUSP). Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Pterional craniotomy was first described by Yasargil¹ in the 1970s. Since then, it has been one of the most widely used approaches in neurosurgery, as it provides access to a wide range of intracranial structures². Two possible techniques for managing the temporal muscle during a pterional craniotomy are myocutaneous flaps and interfascial dissection. Since there are no studies that quantitatively evaluate the exposure provided by pterional craniotomy in relation to the rotation of the temporal muscle flaps, in this study we will compare the exposure provided by the interfascial approach for pterional craniotomy and by the myocutaneous flap technique in order to determine which provides the best exposure of intracranial structures during a pterional craniotomy. To this end, eight adult fresh cadavers will be used in the study. The accesses will be performed sequentially on the same cadaver, on a single side, starting with a muscular dissection in PU, followed by DI. All measurements will be made using a computerized neuronavigation system.