Anatomy of the IV Ventricle Applied to the Auditory Brainstem Implant (ABI)

Authors: Santiago M*, David M, Tsou M, Capello G and Fernando M

DOI: 10.23880/ooaj-16000262

Volume 8, Issue 1

Abstract

Introduction: Hearing loss in its different degrees is widely recognized as one of the most common disabilities of humanity, it affects approximately 100 million people around the world, only in the United States there are more than 28 million1 Americans who suffer from it and it is expected These figures will increase significantly in the coming decades. The first Auditory Brainstem Implant (ABI) was developed in 1979 at the House Ear Institute in the United States by Dr. William House and Dr. William Hitselberger. The intricate anatomy of the IV ventricle is of great importance in ABI surgery. The IV ventricle in an ependymal cavity of the rhombencephalon, limited anteriorly by the brainstem and posteriorly by the cerebellum, in terms of its structure it can be divided into a roof, floor and two lateral recesses, it continues towards the cephalad with the cerebral aqueduct and caudally with the central medullary canal. Objective: To value the complex anatomy of the fourth ventricle Materials And Methods: A descriptive observational study was carried out in the chair of Normal Anatomy and Imaging Dr. Luis Dellepiane, from the Universidad del Salvador, CABA. During the months of August and September 2022. 6 cerebellums with brain stem and 3 formolized heads were used. Results: The fourth ventricle is a cavity that lies dorsal to the brainstem, ventral to the cerebellum, and medial to the cerebral peduncles. A floor and a roof are described as limits, in addition to two extensions called lateral recesses. The arrangement of these can be seen when performing a sagittal cut where the fourth ventricle shows the shape of a tent, with the floor being the base with a vental orientation, and the walls the roof with a dorsal orientation. Conclusions: The anatomical knowledge of the complex structure of the fourth ventricle is of vital importance in ABI surgery, it is necessary that the neurosurgeon and the otolaryngologist know the above for a better understanding of its intricate anatomy.

Keywords: Ventricle; Brainstem; Cochlear Nuclei

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