Minimizing Cutting and Tearing of the Cerebral Cortex During Surgical Procedures

SLU ID 10-014 | Surgical Distractor

Background

Lesions and other anomalies in the brain can be treated or removed by entering the brain through the cerebral cortex (i.e., the outer layer of the brain) to access the target. It is preferable to distract rather than cut or tear the cortex tissue because doing so can result in neurological deficit. However, the gelatinous nature of cortex tissue produces a tendency for it to return to its original shape, which blocks the surgeon's access to the target. As such, there is a need for a distractor that displaces brain tissue and prevents it from returning to its original shape during surgery without damaging the tissue.

Overview

SLU researchers have developed a surgical distractor that enables surgeons to access underlying brain structure and counter the tendency of brain tissue to return to its original shape during surgery without cutting or tearing the cerebral cortex.

Benefits

The potential advantages of this technology over existing solutions include:

• Minimize the need to cut or tear the cerebral cortex.
• Minimize the risk of neurological deficits.
• Minimize obstacles preventing access to the target during brain surgery.
• Minimize the time required to perform medical procedures in the underlying brain structure.

Applications

This technology has potential applications in neurosurgery.

Opportunity

Saint Louis University is seeking partners to further develop and commercialize this technology.

Patents

• United States patent 8,721,538