Identification of the Preferred Interventional Approach to Trigeminal Ganglion Using Three-Dimensional Reconstruction Stereoscopic Model

Abstract

Trigeminal ganglion injection is a common procedure for many facial pain syndromes, including trigeminal neuralgia. The procedure is usually done under fluoroscopy guidance to target at the foramen ovale where lies the trigeminal ganglion and the mandibular branch of trigeminal nerve exits. In this project, Amira® software was used to create 3D structures that can be visualized stereoscopically and involve the structures to study the procedure pathway. The detailed anatomical structures include the skin, skull, external and internal pterygoid muscle, masseter muscle, buccinator muscle, external carotidartery and its branches, internal carotid artery and its branches, vertebral artery, trigeminal ganglion and its branches, internal jugular vein, and parotid gland were created. The structures’ relationships and potential complications are described. The 3D model is used to guide and educate students about safe procedure pathways and may potentially be used to evaluate and modify procedures scientifically.