Mechanics-augmented brain surgery

Introduction

This project aims at revolutionising the treatment of brain disorders through mechanics-augmented brain surgery (MAGERY). Due to the ultrasoft nature of brain tissue, surgical procedures have exceptionally high requirements for minimal invasiveness and maximal safety. During the procedure, brain tissue largely deforms and is easily loaded beyond its functional tolerance.

Technology Integration

A promising technology to improve surgical outcomes is to integrate virtual information either through immersed virtual reality (VR) in training and planning or through augmented reality (AR) overlaying virtual information with the surgeon's real view. Despite rapid advances, to date, most VR/AR solutions have disregarded the complex region-dependent mechanical properties of brain tissue and mechanics-induced cell dysfunction or death.

Project Paradigm

The MAGERY project will follow a new paradigm by focusing on brain mechanics. We imply that we can minimise unnecessary brain tissue damage by integrating continuum mechanics-based simulations into VR/AR solutions.

Required Approaches

Realising this objective will require the combination of state-of-the-art approaches in:

1. Live cell imaging
2. Nonlinear continuum mechanics
3. Computational engineering

Methodology

The applicant and the MAGERY team will for the first time perform simultaneous large-strain mechanical measurements and multiphoton microscopy. Through modelling and simulations, they will identify thresholds for tissue and cell damage under complex three-dimensional loadings. By merging simulation results and VR/AR techniques, this project strives towards real-time predictions of brain tissue deformation and corresponding damage.

Expertise

With her pioneering role in testing and modelling the complex behaviour of human brain tissue, the applicant has excellent prerequisites to tackle these challenges.

Potential Impact

If successful, this project can not only revolutionise VR/AR for brain surgery but also leverage our understanding of the cellular response to three-dimensional mechanical loading across length and time scales.