Instrumentation in Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery

Abstract

This chapter provides an in-depth description and state-of-the-art illustrations of the instrumentation utilized in endoscopic skull base surgery. Advances in technology have complemented the advances in endoscopic skull base surgery and stimulated the creation of dedicated endoscopic equipment and microinstruments specifically designed to fulfill the unique requirements of endoscopic skull base surgery. These instruments include rigid endoscopes, lens irrigation systems, pneumatically powered robotic holding arms, bipolars, light sources, high-definition digital cameras, digital processors, digital monitors, digital versatile disc (DVD) recorders, Polaroid digital photo printers, nerve monitoring devices (electroencephalographs, electromyographs, and those for somatosensory, brainstem auditory, motor, and visual evoked potentials), microdrills, micro-Cavitron ultrasonic aspirators (microCUSAs), and specialized endoscopic microinstruments.