Anatomia microcirúrgica da artéria carótida externa: um estudo estereoscópico

background: the knowledge on the anatomical structures of the external carotid artery through the stereoscopic study may provide better results in microsurgical treatment of the external carotid artery. objective: to describe the structures of the external carotid artery under stereoscopic vision, identifying its multiple aspects. methods: twelve cervical regions were dissected using a surgical microscope with 3 to 40x magnification. the anatomical dissections were documented using the technique to obtain three-dimensional images (3d), aiming at producing stereoscopic prints. results: the use of the stereoscopic technique enabled the stereoscopic approach to extracranial arterial circulation, and it was followed by a combined posterior fossa and infratemporal approach, making microvascular surgery and neurosurgical procedures more precise. conclusion: the use of images obtained through the stereoscopic technique produced a more assertive result in relation to the anatomy study for microsurgical or neurosurgical procedures, facilitating a better learning before performing complex procedures in neurosurgery.