Anatomical Features of Posterior Cerebral Arteries and Basilar Artery in 170 Anatolian Fresh Cadavers: Implications for Surgical Planning and Intervention

BACKGROUND

The posterior cerebral arteries (PCAs) are terminal branches of the basilar artery (BA) and are responsible for the primary supply of the occipital lobe. Saccular aneurysm is most commonly seen close to the bifurcation of the BA. Various surgical interventions are performed for aneurysms. Therefore, the anatomy and localization of the BA and PCA are crucial. The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of these arteries in a large Anatolian population.

METHODS

The study included 170 Anatolian fresh cadavers. The diameters of the BA and PCA were measured. Correlations according to sex and age groups were analyzed. The Q1, Q2, and Q3 angles between the right and left PCA, between the right PCA and BA, and between the left PCA and BA, respectively, were measured. The location of the PCA relative to the sulcus pontocruralis (pontocrural groove) was also evaluated.

RESULTS

The diameter of the artery increased with age and was higher in males than in females. Q1 and Q2 diameters were larger in males, while the Q3 diameter was larger in females. The Q1 angle between the right and left PCAs was found to be higher in age range 40-59 years with a mean of 87.33 ± 17.91 mm. Finally, the bifurcation point of the PCA was most frequently located above the sulcus pontocruralis (pontocrural groove) and least frequently located on the sulcus pontocruralis (pontocrural groove).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of our study will contribute to the planning of surgical approaches, the development of endovascular devices, the success of invasive procedures, and the reduction of complications.

Comparison between anterior and posterior vaginal approach in apical prolapse repair in relation to anatomical structures and points of fixation to the sacrospinous ligament in fresh postmenopausal female cadavers

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The high prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in women requires attention and constant review of treatment options. Sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) for apical prolapse has benefits, high efficacy, and low cost. Our objective is to compare anterior and posterior vaginal approach in SSLF in relation to anatomical structures and to correlate them with body mass index (BMI).

METHODS

Sacrospinous ligament fixation was performed in fresh female cadavers via anterior and posterior vaginal approaches, using the CAPIO®SLIM device (Boston Scientific, Natick, MA, USA). The distances from the point of fixation to the pudendal artery, pudendal nerve, and inferior gluteal artery were measured.

RESULTS

We evaluated 11 cadavers with a mean age of 70.1 ± 9.9 years and mean BMI 22.4 ± 4.6 kg/m². The mean distance from the posterior SSLF to the ischial spine, pudendal artery, pudendal nerve, and inferior gluteal artery were 21.18 ± 2.22 mm, 17.9 ± 7.3 mm, 19.2 ± 6.8 mm, and 18.9 ± 6.9 mm respectively. The same measurements relative to the anterior SSLF were 19.7 ± 2.7 mm, 18.6 ± 6.7 mm, 19.2 ± 6.9 mm, and 18.3 ± 6.7 mm. Statistical analysis showed no difference between the distances in the two approaches. The distances from the fixation point to the pudendal artery and nerve were directly proportional to the BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no difference in the measurements obtained in the anterior and posterior vaginal approaches. A direct correlation between BMI and the distances to the pudendal artery and pudendal nerve was found.

Atherosclerotic Coronary Plaque Is Associated With Adventitial Vasa Vasorum and Local Inflammation in Adjacent Epicardial Adipose Tissue in Fresh Cadavers

BACKGROUND

The coronary adventitia has recently attracted attention as a source of inflammation because it harbors nutrient blood vessels, termed the vasa vasorum (VV). This study assessed the link between local inflammation in adjacent epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and coronary arterial atherosclerosis in fresh cadavers.Methods and Results:Lesion characteristics in the left anterior descending coronary artery of 10 fresh cadaveric hearts were evaluated using integrated backscatter intravascular ultrasound (IB-IVUS), and the density of the VV and levels of inflammatory molecules from the adjacent EAT were measured for each of the assessed lesions. The lesions were divided into lipid-rich, lipid-moderate, and lipid-poor groups according to percentage lipid volume assessed by IB-IVUS. Higher expression of inflammatory molecules (i.e., vascular endothelial growth factor A [VEGFA] andVEGFB) was observed in adjacent EAT of lipid-rich (n=11) than in lipid-poor (n=11) lesions (7.99±3.37 vs. 0.45±0.85 arbitrary units [AU], respectively, forVEGFA; 0.27±0.15 vs. 0.11±0.07 AU, respectively, forVEGFB; P<0.05). The density of adventitial VV was greater in lipid-rich than lipid-poor lesions (1.50±0.58% vs. 0.88±0.23%; P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Lipid-rich coronary plaques are associated with adventitial VV and local inflammation in adjacent EAT in fresh cadavers. This study suggests that local inflammation of EAT is associated with coronary plaque progression via the VV.

An anatomical study of the lingual nerve in the lower third molar area

The lingual nerve (LN) is a branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve, and its injury is one of the major complications during oral surgery. This study aims to investigate the anatomy of the LN in the lower third molar area. Twenty sides from ten fresh-frozen adult cadaveric Caucasian heads were examined to measure the diameter of the LN. The mean diameter of the LN was 2.20±0.37 mm (range, 1.61–2.95 mm). There were no statistically significant differences in the measurements between sexes, sides, or tooth status (dentulous or edentulous). Understanding the anatomical features of the LN is essential for performing any surgical procedure in the oral region.

A low-cost high-fidelity model for abscess simulation

BACKGROUND

Treatment of a subcutaneous abscess is a commonly encountered scenario across multiple specialties. Prior simulation models for abscess incision and drainage have been limited by their cost and reproducibility.

METHODS

We developed a realistic abscess model with commonly available materials that can be utilized in fresh cadaver labs at a cost of less than $1 USD per use. The model was evaluated for content validity with pre- and post-measures by 25 pre-clinical medical students.

RESULTS

The model described herein successfully simulates commonly encountered subcutaneous abscesses. Pre and post-training surveys demonstrated a significant increase in all outcomes measures.

CONCLUSIONS

The model presented in this manuscript can be easily incorporated into training programs that utilize a fresh cadaver lab for multi-procedural resident training. It provides a realistic abscess that can be placed in almost any anatomical location at a fraction of the cost, and significantly reduced preparation time compared to previously described models.

Evaluation of Anatomic Variations of Fibula Free Flap in Human Fresh Cadavers

BACKGROUND

Reconstruction of the head and neck defects is still one of the most challenging surgeries for the surgeons. This study investigated on anatomic variations of fibula free flap in human fresh cadavers.

METHODS

Twenty fibula free flaps harvested from 10 fresh human corpses were enrolled. The number and type of skin perforators and their origin were recorded during the flap harvesting. After the completion of flap harvesting, the length of vascular pedicle and diameter of the artery and vein at the origin, the fibula length, the distance of the head of fibula to the site of peroneal artery bifurcation and harvesting time were also recorded.

RESULTS

The fibula free flaps were performed on 2 women and 8 men with the mean age of 35.6 years. The average number of perforators per flap was 1.7, most of which were musculocutaneous (35.29%) from soleus muscle. The mean fibula length was 33.1 (range: 31-35) cm. The mean distance of the head of fibula to the site of peroneal artery bifurcation from the tibialis posterior trunk was 5.76 (range: 4.5-6.5) cm. The mean length of the pedicle flap was 11.15 (range: 10-13) cm. The mean diameters of the peroneal artery and vein at the origin were 2.83 and 51.5 mm, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Although the fibula osteocutaneous flap is a reliable choice for maxillofacial reconstruction, flap harvesting is fairly difficult. Accordingly, surgeons must be aware of anatomical variations of the flap and have a suitable case selection to minimize the risk of surgical complications.

Effect of wrist and finger flexion in relation to strain on the tendon origin of the extensor carpi radialis brevis: A cadaveric study simulating stretching exercises

BACKGROUND

Stretching exercises based on wrist flexion-ulnar deviation with elbow extension, forearm pronation, and additional index or middle finger flexion have been used to stretch the wrist extensors for lateral epicondylitis. The purpose of this study was to quantify the strain on the tendon origin of the extensor carpi radialis brevis in cadaver specimens during these stretching exercises.

METHODS

We used 8 fresh frozen/thawed cadaveric upper extremities. The strain on the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon origin was measured by the addition of 4 types of traction (no traction, wrist flexion-ulnar deviation, and index or middle finger flexion in combination with wrist flexion-ulnar deviation) in 7 sequential elbow flexion angles during forearm pronation. Two types of varus stress load to the elbow (none, gravity on the forearm) were also applied.

FINDINGS

A significant increase in strain was obtained by wrist traction with 0°, 15° and 30° of elbow flexion (P<0.05). The strain was also significantly increased by adding finger traction (P<0.05) and varus stress load (P<0.05). A maximum strain value of 5.30 (SD 1.73) % was obtained when traction on the middle finger in combination with traction of the wrist was added at 15° elbow flexion with varus stress load.

INTERPRETATION

The present study provides data about the amount of strain on the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon during stretching exercises of the wrist and finger extensors. The results of this study could be applied to stretching exercises for patients with lateral epicondylitis.

Berry's Ligament and the Inferior Thyroid Artery as reliable anatomical landmarks for the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve (RLN): a fresh-cadaveric study of the cervical spine. The RLN relevant to spine

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Although most cadaveric studies of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve (RLN) have focused on course variations, they have usually been done on preserved (fixed and embalmed) cadavers, which renders the RLN immobile and of less surgical landmark value.

PURPOSE

Our aim was to perform a thorough exposure in fresh cadavers, with the intention of investigating the Inferior Thyroid Artery (ITA) and Berry's ligament as reliable landmarks for the identification of the RLN in anterior cervical spine surgery.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

Eight fresh cadavers had layer by layer dissections by two surgeons (one with extensive experience as anatomy dissector) from C2 to T2-T3, with particular attention to illustrating the surgical anatomy of the RLN pertinent to spine.

METHODS

We exposed, traced, and referenced the position of RLNs along their entire length bilaterally and examined the reliability of using ITA and superficial fascia of Berry's Ligament as landmark.

RESULTS

In all specimens, we were able to verify the entire course of RLNs on both the right and left sides in all cadavers dissected in detail from origin to insertion. The RLNs were consistently associated with the ITA and Berry's ligament bilaterally, with the RLNs passing almost perpendicular to these structures.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that the most reliable anatomical landmark for the RLN bilaterally was the ITA and Berry's ligament, both of which would be encountered as readily identifiable structures in anterior cervical spinal exposure before the nerve itself. We believe this will help spinal surgeons to refine their surgical technique to identify RLN where necessary, thus preventing iatrogenic injury. Our landmark protocol of FEEL-LOOK-AVOID can serve as an easy aide-mémoire for intraoperative surgical anatomy of the RLN during ACDF regardless of side.

Relationship between BMI and three different devices used in urinary incontinence procedures and anatomical structures in fresh cadavers. A pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the needle positioning during three types of slings in relation to anatomical structures in fresh cadavers and to evaluate if this positioning is influenced by body mass index (BMI).

METHODS

TVTr sling (retropubic), TVT-O sling (transobturator) and mini-sling (TVT-Secur™) were performed in ten fresh cadavers, followed by dissection of the pudendal (genital) area (external evaluation) and abdominal cavity (internal evaluation). The distance between the devices used in each technique and specific anatomical structures (vessels and bowel) was measured.

RESULTS

The mean distance between TVTr needles and the closest segment of the bowel was 5.0±1.1cm. The mean distance between the TVTr needles and iliac vessels was 8.55±1.59cm, and this distance was inversely proportional to BMI. However, the both correlations were not significantly (p<0.05). The mean distance from TVT-O needle to obturator vessels and nerve was 2.25±0.34cm. This distance was inversely proportional to BMI, but it was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggested that BMI may be not an important factor for influencing the relationship between the devices and anatomical structures in three different slings in fresh cadavers.