Application of three-dimentional computerized tomographic angiography in the planning of pterional scalp incision to preserve the superficial temporal artery

A standard pterional scalp incision is commonly used in the surgical treatment of lesions located at the cranial base. There is a close relationship between the superficial temporal artery and a pterional scalp incision. Standard pterional scalp incision is widely used in the aneurysm surgery of the basal cerebral arteries. Three-dimensional computerized tomographic angiography (3D CT Angiography) using the three-dimensional (3D) volume rendering technique is commonly used in the neuroradiological diagnosis of intracranial aneurysms. 3D CT Angiography produced for the mentioned purpose may concomitantly be used without any additional investigation for the imagination of superficial temporal artery. Virtual skin incision may be done in the computer software under the illumination of data obtained from the 3D CT Angiography. In this study, we investigated the applicability of this technique using 3D CT Angiography. In conclusion, using this technique in cases undergoing surgery with standard pterional scalp incision may preserve the superficial temporal artery leading to the prevention of the skin problems originating from insufficient blood supply, and allowing the use of the preserved superficial temporal artery for cranial anastomosis surgery in the future.