Editorial Team
... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Written By: Editorial Team | Published : October 16, 2014 7:18 PM IST
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.
With inputs from IANS
Photo source: Getty images
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.
