The subchoroidal approach to the third ventricle: Surgical anatomy according to Galen

THE SUBCHOROIDAL APPROACH has taken its place among the surgical access rou tes to the third ventricle. Eighteen centuries ago, in his major anatomic w ork, Galen detailed with astonishing accuracy the anatomy of the structures around the third ventricle and the procedure for exposing this cavity by e ntering the lateral ventricles and elevating its roof. Even more surprising is Galen's pioneering description of surgical maneuvers of the third ventr icle in living animals in a way that anticipated the modern subchoroidal ap proach.