Pterional approach意思

"Pterional approach" is a surgical term that refers to a specific approach to the skull for neurosurgical procedures. This approach is used to access the anterior and middle cranial fossae, which are areas at the base of the brain. The pterional approach allows surgeons to reach structures in the brain such as the anterior communicating artery (AComM), the internal carotid artery, and the optic nerves.

The name "pterional" comes from the pterion, which is a bony landmark where the frontal, parietal, temporal, and sphenoid bones meet. This approach involves making an incision in the scalp over the pterion and then carefully exposing the bone of the skull in this area. The bone is then removed to create a surgical opening, or craniotomy, through which the surgeon can access the brain.

The pterional approach is commonly used for the treatment of aneurysms, tumors, and other conditions affecting the brain. It is often chosen because it provides a relatively wide exposure of the anterior and middle cranial fossae, and it can be used to approach both the brain and the skull base. However, as with any surgical procedure, the pterional approach is not without risks, and the decision to use this approach is made on a case-by-case basis by the neurosurgeon.