Background

Neurosurgery is a complex and delicate field that requires precision and accuracy. One of the challenges in neurosurgery is reaching the target location without causing damage to surrounding brain tissue. Traditional catheters can apply sidewall forces to brain tissue, which can lead to complications during surgery. Our team was tasked with developing a solution that would allow for precise targeting without damaging surrounding tissue.

Problem

The current methods for reaching target locations during neurosurgery were not precise enough and could cause damage to surrounding brain tissue. This could lead to complications during surgery and potentially affect patient outcomes. Our team needed to develop a solution that would allow for precise targeting without causing any damage to surrounding tissue.

Solution

We developed a soft catheter that is shaped custom to a patient's ventricular pathways using an MRI image. The catheter is inflated during neurosurgery to automatically reach the target location at the end of the ventricular pathway, without applying sidewall forces to brain tissue. A tool can then be guided down the pathway effortlessly to drain the target site precisely.

Impact

Reduced risk of complications during neurosurgery
Precise targeting of specific areas within the brain
Improved patient outcomes
Increase in successful surgeries by X%
Reduction in recovery time by X days

Team

Jane Doe - Biomedical Engineer
- Oversaw design and development of soft catheter based on MRI images
- Led testing and validation process for catheter
John Smith - Neurosurgeon
- Provided expertise on neurosurgery techniques and challenges
- Assisted in testing and validation of catheter during surgeries
Sarah Lee - Data Analyst
- Analyzed data from testing and validation process to identify areas for improvement
- Led efforts to optimize catheter design based on data analysis

Soft Catheter for Precise Neurosurgery