AVOIDANCE OF CAROTID ARTERY INJURIES IN TRANSSPHENOIDAL SURGERY WITH THE DOPPLER PROBE AND MICRO-HOOK BLADES

Abstract

Cavernous carotid localization with the Doppler probe before dural opening and angled hook blades for lateral dural opening can help minimize the risk of ICA injury and are recommended for all transsphenoidal operations. Because of the wider contralateral exposure provided by the endonasal approach, the ICA contralateral to the nostril of approach is at higher risk of injury on dural opening.