Microsurgical anatomy of perforated arteries in the hypothalamic area

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the microsurgical anatomy of perforating arteries in the hypothalamic area, which are associated with diabetes insipidus.

Material and methods: A total of 20 adult cadaver heads soaked in formalin were infused with red latex through the carotid artery and vertebral artery, and supplementary perfusion was performed after 1 day.

Results: The perforating arteries in the hypothalamic area could be divided into three groups according to their origins, namely, the former, below and outside groups. The former group mainly comprised the perforating arteries near the current communicating arteries. The outside group comprised the perforating arteries from the upper clinoid segment of the internal carotid and posterior communicating arteries. The below group comprised the bottom hypophyseal arteries of the cavernous segment from the internal carotid artery.

Conclusion: Vascular injuries that occur during surgery can be minimised by understanding the distribution of the aforementioned vessels.