Innovative Imaging Technology in Brain Surgery

Overview of Brain Biopsies

In the United States, approximately 80,000 brain biopsies are performed annually, primarily for diagnosing brain tumors. Following these biopsies, one of the most common and severe complications is bleeding within the brain, which can result in permanent disability or even death in a small percentage of patients.

Advancements in Imaging Techniques

Researchers in Australia have adapted a fiber-optic technology, originally utilized by cardiologists and ophthalmologists, to enhance the detection of small blood vessels during brain surgery. This innovative approach aims to replace traditional MRI or CT scans, which are often limited by real-time accuracy issues. These imaging techniques may not reflect changes in the size and location of blood vessels due to the tumor’s growth between the scans and the biopsy procedure.

Real-Time Detection of Blood Vessels

The new fiber-optic technology enables surgeons to identify blood vessels during the actual biopsy procedure. A tiny fiber-optic probe is integrated into a standard brain biopsy needle. Once inserted into the brain tissue, this probe can detect blood vessels as small as a human hair. Surgeons can use the probe to find a safe area within the tumor for the biopsy. After locating the blood vessels, the probe is removed, and a cutting device is inserted to obtain the biopsy sample.

Clinical Testing and Results

The technology was tested on 11 patients undergoing brain surgery who consented to participate in the study. Although the needle was not used during the surgical procedure, it was employed on the brain’s surface to identify blood vessels. The accuracy of the fiber-optic technology was assessed by comparing its results with high-quality photographs that measured blood vessel diameters. The findings were published in the journal Neuroscience.

Implications for Future Surgery

The fiber-optic technology demonstrated an accuracy rate exceeding 90% for detecting blood vessels. The surgeons involved in the study suggest that imaging needles could prove valuable across various brain surgery applications.

Author Information

Written by Nicola Cribb, VetMB DVSc Dip.ACVS

References

Ramakonar H, Quirk B, Kirk R, et al. Intraoperative detection of blood vessels with an imaging needle during neurosurgery in humans. Sci Adv. 2018;4(12):eaav4992. doi:10.1126/sciadv.aav4992.
Eurekalert. The Global Source for Science News. https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-12/uoa-hmb121718.php. Last accessed January 11, 2019.