Craniotomy Exposure
Craniotomy Exposure - 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.
09:08
Developing a Salivary Antibody Multiplex Immunoassay to Measure Human Exposure to Environmental Pathogens
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Cited by 11 •
2016
In the current climate of scarce resources, new technologies are emerging that allow researchers to conduct studies cheaper, faster and with more precision. Here we describe the development of a bead-based salivary antibody multiplex immunoassay to measure human exposure to multiple environmental pathogens simultaneously.
FAQs
Planning determines how the surgeon reaches the intended brain region, meninges, or intracranial vessels while limiting disruption to healthy tissue. A well-designed corridor improves visualization and provides sufficient room for instruments without creating unnecessary access through neural structures. This balance is important because exposure quality can affect the precision and safety of the planned neurosurgical procedure.
The bone flap provides temporary access through the skull and is typically replaced after the intracranial work is complete. Opening the dura mater creates access to the underlying brain and related structures. Managing both layers in sequence allows the surgeon to establish the operative field while preserving the normal anatomical boundaries as much as the procedure permits.
Hemostasis, meaning control of bleeding, helps maintain a clear operative field and supports visualization of the target and surrounding anatomy. Protecting neural tissue limits disruption to healthy brain structures during corridor development and instrument use. Together, these priorities help the surgeon work within the intended exposure while reducing avoidable interference with nearby functional tissue.
Functional mapping requires access to relevant brain regions while preserving surrounding tissue for assessment and protection. A carefully planned exposure can provide visualization and instrument access to the target area without unnecessarily enlarging the surgical corridor. In neuroscience, this makes the approach useful when procedures must account for the relationship between anatomy and brain function.
The sequence begins with patient positioning and scalp preparation, followed by creation of a bone flap. The surgeon then opens the dura mater and develops a corridor toward the intended intracranial target, maintaining neural tissue protection and hemostasis throughout. After the operative work, the bone flap is typically replaced to complete the approach.
This approach supports several distinct intracranial procedures, including tumor resection, aneurysm clipping, hematoma evacuation, and functional mapping. The specific target may be brain tissue, meninges, or intracranial blood vessels, so the planned exposure must match the intended task. Its value lies in providing controlled visualization and access across these different neurosurgical applications.
Exposure quality directly affects how clearly the surgeon can see the target and how effectively instruments can be positioned. Careful planning aims to provide adequate visualization and access while limiting disruption to healthy brain structures. An appropriately designed corridor therefore supports the technical demands of procedures such as lesion removal, vascular treatment, or mapping.
Replacing the bone flap restores the skull covering after the intracranial portion of the procedure is completed. It marks the transition from establishing access to closing the operative field. Because the flap is typically returned rather than left out, the approach is designed as temporary bony access for the planned neurosurgical intervention.