Craniotomy
Craniotomy - Related Videos
08:30
A Method to Make a Craniotomy on the Ventral Skull of Neonate Rodents
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Cited by 6 •
2014
A surgical method is described to expose the ventral skull in neonate rats. Using this approach it is possible to open a craniotomy to perform acute electrophysiology and two-photon microscopy experiments in the brainstem of anesthetized pups.
09:25
A Craniotomy Surgery Procedure for Chronic Brain Imaging
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Cited by 182 •
2008
This video and protocol demonstrate how to implant a glass-covered cranial window in rodents. These preparations can be used for chronic in vivo two-photon imaging of the neocortex over time scales of months. It may also be used for other types of imaging, including optical intrinsic signal imaging.
10:05
A Large Lateral Craniotomy Procedure for Mesoscale Wide-field Optical Imaging of Brain Activity
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Cited by 18 •
2017
This protocol presents a method for creating a large unilateral craniotomy over the temporal and parietal regions of the mouse cerebral cortex. This is especially useful for real time imaging over an expansive area of a cortical hemisphere.
11:58
Minimally Invasive Thumb-sized Pterional Craniotomy for Surgical Clip Ligation of Unruptured Anterior Circulation Aneurysms
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Cited by 2 •
2015
Minimally invasive thumb-sized pterional craniotomy for aneurysm clipping has afforded our patients with a shorter hospital stay at a lower cost compared to the national average.
12:16
Craniotomy Procedure for Visualizing Neuronal Activities in Hippocampus of Behaving Mice
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Cited by 3 •
2021
This article demonstrates the preparation of a custom-made imaging window supplemented with infusion cannula and its implantation onto the CA1 region of the hippocampus in mice.
FAQs
A bone flap creates a localized route to the operative area, while opening the dura mater permits access beyond the skull to the brain. This staged approach supports a planned intervention, direct observation, or tissue sampling through a defined anatomical pathway. The sequence also helps surgeons focus treatment while emphasizing protection of healthy neural structures.
Replacing and securing the bone flap completes the operative sequence after the intracranial work is finished. It restores the section of skull that was removed for access and avoids leaving the cranial opening unaddressed. This final step is therefore part of the procedure itself, not an optional step after diagnosis or treatment.
The approach allows surgeons to reach a specific intracranial area rather than treating the brain indirectly. Direct access can support tumor removal, management of bleeding or vascular abnormalities, or procedures related to epilepsy and traumatic injury. Careful focus on the required intervention is paired with deliberate protection of surrounding healthy neural structures.
Direct observation gives the surgical team access to neural structures at the site of concern, while tissue sampling can provide material for diagnosis. These capabilities make the procedure useful when clinicians need more than indirect assessment. In neuroscience, they connect anatomical examination with the evaluation or treatment of an intracranial condition.
Craniotomy may support the removal or biopsy of brain tumors, management of intracranial bleeding or vascular abnormalities, and procedures involving epilepsy or traumatic injury. The specific purpose depends on the condition being evaluated or treated. Across these applications, access to the brain enables diagnosis, tissue sampling, or targeted intervention at the affected area.
Craniotomy provides opportunities for direct observation of the brain, collection of tissue, and targeted treatment of intracranial conditions. These capabilities make it relevant to studying brain abnormalities as well as addressing them. Its value in neuroscience comes from combining physical access to neural structures with an emphasis on preserving healthy tissue during the required intervention.