Construction and study of a three-dimensional visualization model of superficial temporal artery branches: With an explicatory case

Abstract

Summary: Background: The anatomical parameters of the superficial temporal artery branches were measured by a three-dimensional measurement method to provide anatomical reference for relevant clinical operations. Methods: Seventy original images were selected who had cranial CTA examination. The patients were aged 30–79 years, with an average of 60.0 years, including 32 females and 38 males. After reconstructing the superficial temporal artery by professional medical 3D reconstruction software, its anatomical parameters were measured. Results: The length of the secondary branches of the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery were 47.6 ± 23.6 mm and 37.3 ± 21.6 mm in males and females, respectively, with a statistically significant difference. The length of the secondary branches of the parietal branch of the superficial temporal artery were 39.6 ± 20.4 mm and 49.2 ± 20.3 mm in young and middle-aged people and older people respectively, which were statistically different. The remaining measures were not statistically different across gender and age groups. The frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery was divided into three types, and the parietal branch of the superficial temporal artery was divided into two types. Conclusions: The anatomical parameters of the superficial temporal artery branches can be accurately measured by means of 3D visualization, providing an anatomical reference for relevant clinical operations.

Keywords

• Superficial temporal artery
• Digitalization
• Anatomical parameters