New-age brain surgery to treat epilepsy found to be extremely accurate

Researchers have developed a robotic device for people suffering from epilepsy that would enter through the cheek bone, thereby avoiding having to drill through the skull besides being much closer to

Editorial Team | Published: October 16, 2014 7:18 pm

Researchers have developed a robotic device for people suffering from epilepsy that would enter through the cheek bone, thereby avoiding having to drill through the skull besides being much closer to the target area. The device has is a 1.14 mm nickel-titanium needle that operates like a mechanical pencil with concentric tubes, some of which are curved, that allow the tip to follow a curved path into the brain. Unlike many common metals, nickel-titanium is compatible with MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging). ‘Using compressed air, a robotic platform steers and advances the needle segments a millimeter at a time,’ said David Comber, graduate student in mechanical engineering from the Tennessee-based Vanderbilt University.

According to Comber, they have measured the accuracy of the system in the lab and found that it is better than 1.18 mm, which is considered sufficient for such an operation. In addition, the needle is inserted in tiny, millimetre steps so the surgeon can track its position by taking successive MRI scans. The engineers have also designed the system in a way so that much of it can be made using 3D printing in order to keep the price low. (Read: Ketogenic diet for preventing epileptic attacks)

The next stage in the surgical robot’s development is testing it with cadavers. The first working prototype was unveiled at the ‘Fluid Power Innovation and Research Conference’ in Nashville, Tennessee, in the US recently. (Read: Medicines for epilepsy — use, side-effects, overdose and interactions)

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy, commonly known as fit or convulsion, is a chronic brain condition wherein the normal pattern of transmission of signals to and from the brain is disturbed. This causes seizures which affect consciousness, body movements and sensations for a short period of time until the electric impulses settle. It begins during childhood and 1/3 of epilepsy cases occur due to brain damage. Due to various myths, epilepsy still remains a condition very often misunderstood.

What causes epilepsy?
The exact cause of epilepsy is not found in most cases. Since epilepsy involves the brain function at the neuronal level, several events or conditions that affect the brain may cause epilepsy.

Trauma to the brain or head injury
Lack of oxygen supply to the brain during birth
Brain tumors
Infections such as meningitis and encephalitis which affect the brain.
Stroke caused by damage to a blood vessel in the brain
Neurological diseases such as Alzheimer disease
Genetic conditions
Lead poisoning or carbon monoxide poisoning can cause epilepsy
Drug addiction and overuse of certain antidepressants Read more about How people with epilepsy can lead a normal life

With inputs from IANS

Photo source: Getty images

Published: October 16, 2014 7:18 pm

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