Computer-generated microsurgical anatomy of the paraclinoid area.

To represent multiple microstructures, including perforators, dura, and cranial nerves, and to allow understanding of the three-dimensional relations of the paraclinoid area, we made a computer graphics model. The source of the input data is a variety of publications showing the detailed anatomy of the paraclinoid area. To produce the model, we traced such data, input selected points for each structure, smoothed the lines with a spline program, and added depth using wire-framing and color alterations. The computer graphic model of the paraclinoid area showing perforators, dural ring, optic nerve, and so forth, was made using a paint method for hidden line removal. It can be rotated and viewed from any direction and thus allows understanding of the relations of the area. Using our method, it may be possible to obtain a more detailed model of various anatomies including the skull base, and such data would be useful for preoperative simulation to understand relative regional relations for a specific case and as a new navigational system for open microneurosurgery. Concepts and technical details of the method are described.