PROCEDURES

Mini Temporal approach

Mental Skills Required
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Automatism
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Imagination
icon_strategy
Strategy
Manual Skills Required
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Automatism
icon_dexterity
Dexterity
icon_time
Speed
PROCEDURES

Temporal approach

Mental Skills Required
icon_automatism
Automatism
icon_imagination
Imagination
icon_strategy
Strategy
Manual Skills Required
icon_automatism_manual
Automatism
icon_dexterity
Imagination
icon_time
Strategy
PROCEDURES

Mini Temporal approach

Mental Skills Required
icon_automatism
Automatism
icon_imagination
Imagination
icon_strategy
Strategy
Manual Skills Required
icon_automatism_manual
Automatism
icon_dexterity
Dexterity
icon_time
Speed
Needed for this topic

Tools involved:

Needed for this topic

Tools involved:

Needed for this topic

Tools involved:

icon_brainbox
icon_automatism_manual_white
icon_dexterity_white
BrainBox
icon_mental_training
icon_automatism_white
icon_imagination_white
Neurosurgery

Basic information

Gives access to:

  • large part of the lateral surface of the temporal lobe

Also used for minimally invasive sub-temporal routes

Keep in mind

  • Consider whether the patient / location of the lesion are suitable for this type of approach)
  • Study carefully available images (CT, MR) to be prepared for anatomical rarities, use different section and projection 
  • Try to find the best route to the lesion with an avoidance of the excessive exposure and the retraction of brain tissue, otherwise use a different approach to reach the pathology
  • Keep in mind the general anatomy (skin layers, temporal muscle, skull bones, brain surface)
  • Be aware of possible slight distortion of the anatomy (patient is in the supine position and the head is rotated – effect of the gravity)
  • Try to project the anatomy on the skin surface

Highlights

Surface of the temporal lobe, subtemporal route

Basic information

Gives access to:

  • large part of the lateral surface of the temporal lobe

Also used for minimally invasive sub-temporal routes
Keep in mind
  • Consider whether the patient / location of the lesion are suitable for this type of approach)
  • Study carefully available images (CT, MR) to be prepared for anatomical rarities, use different section and projection 
  • Try to find the best route to the lesion with an avoidance of the excessive exposure and the retraction of brain tissue, otherwise use a different approach to reach the pathology
  • Keep in mind the general anatomy (skin layers, temporal muscle, skull bones, brain surface)
  • Be aware of possible slight distortion of the anatomy (patient is in the supine position and the head is rotated – effect of the gravity)
  • Try to project the anatomy on the skin surface
Highlights
Surface of the temporal lobe, subtemporal route

Basic information

Gives access to:

  • large part of the lateral surface of the temporal lobe

Also used for minimally invasive sub-temporal routes
Keep in mind
  • Consider whether the patient / location of the lesion are suitable for this type of approach)
  • Study carefully available images (CT, MR) to be prepared for anatomical rarities, use different section and projection 
  • Try to find the best route to the lesion with an avoidance of the excessive exposure and the retraction of brain tissue, otherwise use a different approach to reach the pathology
  • Keep in mind the general anatomy (skin layers, temporal muscle, skull bones, brain surface)
  • Be aware of possible slight distortion of the anatomy (patient is in the supine position and the head is rotated – effect of the gravity)
  • Try to project the anatomy on the skin surface
Highlights
Surface of the temporal lobe, subtemporal route
icon_idea
icon_idea

Indications

Anatomy and important anatomical landmarks

  • Skull bones – the middle cranial fossa
  • Roof of the zygoma
  • Tragus
  • Temporal muscle, temporal muscle line
  • Superficial veins
  • Temporal lobe
  • Circle of Willis
  • Cranial nerves – n. III, n. IV.
icon_idea

Indications

Anatomy and important anatomical landmarks
  • Skull bones – the middle cranial fossa
  • Roof of the zygoma
  • Tragus
  • Temporal muscle, temporal muscle line
  • Superficial veins
  • Temporal lobe
  • Circle of Willis
  • Cranial nerves – n. III, n. IV.
icon_idea

Indications

Anatomy and important anatomical landmarks
  • Skull bones – the middle cranial fossa
  • Roof of the zygoma
  • Tragus
  • Temporal muscle, temporal muscle line
  • Superficial veins
  • Temporal lobe
  • Circle of Willis
  • Cranial nerves – n. III, n. IV.
icon_positioning

Positioning

Body positioning: supine lateral (45°), lateral (90°)

Academy_minitemporal_approach_body_positioning
Supine-lateral or lateral position

Head positioning: contralateral rotation (0°), lateral tilt (12°), flexion (10°)

Academy_minitemporal_approach_Head_positioning_1
Rotation: 90° rotation contralaterally; the midline must be parallel to the floor
Academy_minitemporal_approach_Head_positioning_2

Extension: Approximately 15° to facilitate temporal lobe retraction

Academy_minitemporal_approach_Head_positioning_3
Contralateral bending: This helps with the subtemporal surgical perspective

Red Flags

Head over the heart level. Avoid over rotation of the neck – elevate the ipsilateral shoulder or prefer lateral position based on the freedom of the neck motility.

icon_positioning

Positioning

Body positioning: supine lateral (45°), lateral (90°)
Academy_minitemporal_approach_body_positioning
Supine-lateral or lateral position
Head positioning: contralateral rotation (0°), lateral tilt (12°), flexion (10°)
Academy_minitemporal_approach_Head_positioning_1

Rotation: 90° rotation 90° rotation contralaterally; the midline must be parallel to the floor

Academy_minitemporal_approach_Head_positioning_2
Extension: Approximately 15° to facilitate temporal lobe retraction
Academy_minitemporal_approach_Head_positioning_3
Contralateral bending: This helps with the subtemporal surgical perspective

Red Flags

Head over the heart level. Avoid over rotation of the neck – elevate the ipsilateral shoulder or prefer lateral position based on the freedom of the neck motility.
icon_positioning

Positioning

Body positioning: supine lateral (45°), lateral (90°)
Academy_minitemporal_approach_body_positioning
Supine-lateral or lateral position
Head positioning: contralateral rotation (0°), lateral tilt (12°), flexion (10°)
Academy_minitemporal_approach_Head_positioning_1

Rotation: 90° rotation contralaterally; the midline must be parallel to the floor

Academy_minitemporal_approach_Head_positioning_2

Extension: Approximately 15° to facilitate temporal lobe retraction

Academy_minitemporal_approach_Head_positioning_3

Contralateral bending: This helps with the subtemporal surgical perspective

Red Flags

Head over the heart level. Avoid over rotation of the neck – elevate the ipsilateral shoulder or prefer lateral position based on the freedom of the neck motility.
icon_surgery

Surgery

1. Skin incision N°22 scalpel blade

MiniTemporal_01
The skin incision is performed in a linear fashion. The inferior end starts anterior to the tragus and terminates approximately 2-3 cm over the temporal line depending on the thickness and elasticity of the skin.

2. Initial dissection of the skin flap with elevator

MiniTemporal_02
Skin and subcutaneous layers are separated from the superficial temporal fascia.

3. Placement of hemostatic clips

MiniTemporal_02
Avoiding an excessive cauterization of the subcutaneous layers improves skin healing.

4. Skin flap elevation with elevator

MiniTemporal_02
It is possible to use the same techniques in this stage as were applied in the initial skin flap dissection.

5. Incision and dissection of temporalis muscle

MiniTemporal_02
A “question mark” incision with monopolar cautery or scalpel and a subperiosteal dissection with periosteal elevator are performed on the temporalis muscle. Subsequently the muscle is retracted anteriorly with hooks.

6. Burr hole with perforator

MiniTemporal_03
Burr hole can be placed on the temporal squama. One burr hole is often sufficient.

7. Preparation of the burr holes with dura separator

MiniTemporal_04
This step helps to reduce the risk of tearing the dura mater during the craniotomy. The risk is higher in elderly patients because of the strong adherence between the inner table of the skull and dura.

8. Craniotomy with high-speed drill

MiniTemporal_05
The resultant bone flap has a square shape.

9. Edge drilling with high-speed drill

MiniTemporal_06
The cranial base must be drilled flat if a subtemporal route has been chosen. During drilling attention should be paid to the accidental opening of mastoid air cells. If this occurs, bone wax is used as a sealant.

10. Dural tenting sutures

MiniTemporal_07
Transosseous stitches are used to suspend the dura and reduce extradural bleeding.

11. Dural incision with N°10 scalpel blade and scissors

MiniTemporal_08
Dura should be incised starting at the superior end of the craniotomy and reflected toward the cranial base.
icon_surgery

Surgery

1. Skin incision N°22 scalpel blade
MiniTemporal_01
The skin incision is performed in a linear fashion. The inferior end starts anterior to the tragus and terminates approximately 2-3 cm over the temporal line depending on the thickness and elasticity of the skin.
2. Initial dissection of the skin flap with elevator
MiniTemporal_02
Skin and subcutaneous layers are separated from the superficial temporal fascia.
3. Placement of hemostatic clips
MiniTemporal_02
Avoiding an excessive cauterization of the subcutaneous layers improves skin healing.
4. Skin flap elevation with elevator
MiniTemporal_02
It is possible to use the same techniques in this stage as were applied in the initial skin flap dissection.
5. Incision and dissection of temporalis muscle
MiniTemporal_02
A “question mark” incision with monopolar cautery or scalpel and a subperiosteal dissection with periosteal elevator are performed on the temporalis muscle. Subsequently the muscle is retracted anteriorly with hooks.
6. Burr hole with perforator
MiniTemporal_03
Burr hole can be placed on the temporal squama. One burr hole is often sufficient.
7. Preparation of the burr holes with dura separator
MiniTemporal_04
This step helps to reduce the risk of tearing the dura mater during the craniotomy. The risk is higher in elderly patients because of the strong adherence between the inner table of the skull and dura.
8. Craniotomy with high-speed drill
MiniTemporal_05
The resultant bone flap has a square shape.
9. Edge drilling with high-speed drill
MiniTemporal_06
The cranial base must be drilled flat if a subtemporal route has been chosen. During drilling attention should be paid to the accidental opening of mastoid air cells. If this occurs, bone wax is used as a sealant.
10. Dural tenting sutures
MiniTemporal_07
Transosseous stitches are used to suspend the dura and reduce extradural bleeding.
11. Dural incision with N°10 scalpel blade and scissors
MiniTemporal_08
Dura should be incised starting at the superior end of the craniotomy and reflected toward the cranial base.
icon_surgery

Surgery

1. Skin incision N°22 scalpel blade

MiniTemporal_01
The skin incision is performed in a linear fashion. The inferior end starts anterior to the tragus and terminates approximately 2-3 cm over the temporal line depending on the thickness and elasticity of the skin.

2. Initial dissection of the skin flap with elevator

MiniTemporal_02
Skin and subcutaneous layers are separated from the superficial temporal fascia.

3. Placement of hemostatic clips

MiniTemporal_02
Avoiding an excessive cauterization of the subcutaneous layers improves skin healing.

4. Skin flap elevation with elevator

MiniTemporal_02
It is possible to use the same techniques in this stage as were applied in the initial skin flap dissection.

5. Incision and dissection of temporalis muscle

MiniTemporal_02
A “question mark” incision with monopolar cautery or scalpel and a subperiosteal dissection with periosteal elevator are performed on the temporalis muscle. Subsequently the muscle is retracted anteriorly with hooks.

6. Burr hole with perforator

MiniTemporal_03
Burr hole can be placed on the temporal squama. One burr hole is often sufficient.

7. Preparation of the burr holes with dura separator

MiniTemporal_04
This step helps to reduce the risk of tearing the dura mater during the craniotomy. The risk is higher in elderly patients because of the strong adherence between the inner table of the skull and dura.

8. Craniotomy with high-speed drill

MiniTemporal_05
The resultant bone flap has a square shape.

9. Edge drilling with high-speed drill

MiniTemporal_06
The cranial base must be drilled flat if a subtemporal route has been chosen. During drilling attention should be paid to the accidental opening of mastoid air cells. If this occurs, bone wax is used as a sealant.

10. Dural tenting sutures

MiniTemporal_07
Transosseous stitches are used to suspend the dura and reduce extradural bleeding.

11. Dural incision with N°10 scalpel blade and scissors

MiniTemporal_08
Dura should be incised starting at the superior end of the craniotomy and reflected toward the cranial base.

Microexploration

BT: Basilar Tip

PCA: Posterior Cerebral Artery

CN IV: Cranial Nerve IV, Trochlear Nerve

BV: Basal Vein of Rosenthal

CN III: Cranial Nerve III, Oculomotor Nerve

CP: Cerebral Peduncle

Microexploration

BT: Basilar Tip

PCA: Posterior Cerebral Artery

CN IV: Cranial Nerve IV, Trochlear Nerve

BV: Basal Vein of Rosenthal

CN III: Cranial Nerve III, Oculomotor Nerve

CP: Cerebral Peduncle

Microexploration

BT: Basilar Tip

PCA: Posterior Cerebral Artery

CN IV: Cranial Nerve IV, Trochlear Nerve

BV: Basal Vein of Rosenthal

CN III: Cranial Nerve III, Oculomotor Nerve

CP: Cerebral Peduncle

icon_surgery

Closure

1. Dura reconstruction

MiniTemporal_09
A water-tight closure of the dura is always needed, particularly in cases of cisternal and ventricular opening. In case of dura retraction, several types of synthetic substitutes or a galea flap can be used to complete the approximation.

2. Bone fixation with microscrews

MiniTemporal_10
At least 3 microplates are used to guarantee the immobility of the bone flap. Immobility is necessary for osteosynthesis. For bigger craniotomies, central dural suspensions are mandatory.

3. Muscle reconstruction

MiniTemporal_11
Temporal muscle is sutured – this mitigates the risk of chewing problems postoperatively.

4. Subcutaneous/skin suture

MiniTemporal_12
Aesthetic skin reconstruction is always mandatory.
icon_surgery

Closure

1. Dura reconstruction

MiniTemporal_09
A water-tight closure of the dura is always needed, particularly in cases of cisternal and ventricular opening. In case of dura retraction, several types of synthetic substitutes or a galea flap can be used to complete the approximation.
2. Bone fixation with microscrews
MiniTemporal_10
At least 3 microplates are used to guarantee the immobility of the bone flap. Immobility is necessary for osteosynthesis. For bigger craniotomies, central dural suspensions are mandatory.
3. Muscle reconstruction
MiniTemporal_11
Temporal muscle is sutured – this mitigates the risk of chewing problems postoperatively.
4. Subcutaneous/skin suture
MiniTemporal_12
Aesthetic skin reconstruction is always mandatory.
icon_surgery

Closure

1. Dura reconstruction

MiniTemporal_09
A water-tight closure of the dura is always needed, particularly in cases of cisternal and ventricular opening. In case of dura retraction, several types of synthetic substitutes or a galea flap can be used to complete the approximation.

2. Bone fixation with microscrews

MiniTemporal_10
At least 3 microplates are used to guarantee the immobility of the bone flap. Immobility is necessary for osteosynthesis. For bigger craniotomies, central dural suspensions are mandatory.

3. Muscle reconstruction

MiniTemporal_11
Temporal muscle is sutured – this mitigates the risk of chewing problems postoperatively.

4. Subcutaneous/skin suture

MiniTemporal_12
Aesthetic skin reconstruction is always mandatory.

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Supported by the European Union

This project has received funding from the Eropean Union's H2020 Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement n.880895

Supported by the European Union

This project has received funding from the Eropean Union's H2020 Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement n.880895

Supported by the European Union

This project has received funding from the Eropean Union’s H2020 Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement n.880895

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