Novel multimodality imaging for navigation in skull base surgery
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Novel multimodality imaging techniques for neurosurgical planning and stereotactic navigation in lateral skull base surgery: a feasibility study
IRAS ID
235855
Contact name
Robert Bradford
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2018/01/03, UCL Data Protection Registration
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Successful neurosurgery to remove tumours around the base of the skull, such as a vestibular schwannoma, depends on achieving maximal tumour removal whilst preserving crucial neurological functions such as facial movement, and maintaining quality of life. Current techniques to direct surgery are based on the surgeon’s expertise and knowledge of the relevant anatomy, supplemented by the use of electrical recording and stimulation of the facial nerve. However, it is often very difficult to visualise the nerve during surgery and facial nerve paralysis remains a potentially devastating complication of surgery.\n\nWe have developed advanced imaging methods to visualise important neural connections in the brain and have designed novel computer-assisted processes to generate tumour maps from MRI and ultrasound scans. We have previously devised an innovative system to assist surgeons planning epilepsy surgery and in this feasibility study we will determine if we can utilise these technologies to develop a 3D navigation system for skull base surgery.\n\nWe will develop a system that will combine MRI and ultrasound imaging to enhance the surgeon’s view of the tumour, facial nerve and other surrounding critical structures during surgery. This information will be made available in the MRI guidance system in the operating room so that operations are more precise resulting in better tumour removal rates and fewer complications.\n\nThe system will be assessed during the treatment of 20 patients with vestibular schwannoma at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. This feasibility study will validate the different parts of the new system and help us design a future research study to determine its effectiveness in improving patient care.\n\nThis project will result in safer and more effective neurosurgery, with potential consequent financial savings for the NHS and the UK, in addition to marked improvements in the quality of life and reduced dependency upon others.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/0266
Date of REC Opinion
12 Mar 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion