Objective: To develop a new method to explore the three-dimensional characteristics of anatomical structures at the sellar region in transnasal endoscopic surgery.
Methods: (1) The MicronTracker binocular visual navigation system was modified, and the tool's accuracy was tested by comparing the vernier caliper and turntable. (2) The basis nasi plane and median sagittal plane were used as datum plane, S point (the lateral margin point of nasal spine) and M point (maxillary line midpoint) were used as datum point to orientate the structures. The pitching angle, direction angle and distance of the important structures were measured by the tool designed by us based on the MicronTracker binocular visual navigation system and made a computer graphics model.
Results: (1) The tool's accuracy had no statistical difference as compared with vernier caliper and turntable. (2) The pitching angle, direction angle and distance of the important structures were obtained. (3) 3D-max 9.0 and AutoCAD-2008 were used to set up three-dimensional anatomical model of the anatomical structures.
Conclusion: Based on the familiar point and datum of the skull, the orientation data of the important structures could be obtained and the three-dimensional model of the sella region anatomical structures could be constructed.