GRİGOL KESHELAVA, IGOR MIKADZE, GİORGİ ABZIANIDZE, LİA KIKALISHVILI, ZURAB KAKABADZE
Neuroanatomy - 2009;8(1):46-48
The purpose of this study was to reveal the anatomical relationships of petrous part of the internal carotid artery. Sixteen human cadavers were investigated via preauricular surgical approach (bilateral exposure on each cadaver). A 6 cm long incision was made in front of the auricle, along the posterior border of the ramus of mandible, as higher as the level of the temporomandibular joint. After luxation of temporo-mandibular articulation and milling of tympanic bone, vertical and horizontal segments of petrous part of the internal carotid artery were exposed. The vertical segment‘s mean length was 12 mm (ranged 10 mm to 15 mm). The relationships of the vertical segment were the jugular fossa posteriorly, tympanic bone laterally, and Eustachian tube anteriorly. Horizontal segment‘s mean length was 20 mm (ranged 18 mm to 22 mm). Angle between vertical and horizontal segments of the petrous part of the internal carotid artery was measured 105° (ranged 95 to 110°). V, VII, IX, X, XII cranial nerves, internal jugular vein, and Eustachian tube are important structures, which must be protected during high carotid surgery.
