Surgical synergy for the spinal cord
Disabled people suffering from spinal conditions such as trauma and tumours develop lesions of the spinal cord. Successful treatment usually requires myeloscopy or direct visualisation of the spinal canal using an endoscope. This involves entrance to the cerebro-spinal fluid and images of any lesions and required nerves can then be obtained. Due to the highly sensitive nature of the spinal cord where damage can be crucial, a minimally invasive technique is required. In response to this demand, project partners in MINOSC refined the positioning ability of the endoscope which can be based on anatomical landmarks recognised by the surgeon. The system developed used a minute magnetic sensor at the end of a flexible endoscope. Armed with the superior localisation ability of the endoscope, partners at the University of Montpelier investigated the treatment of four different pathologies using the Minosc endoscope. Making an entrance into tissue gave surgeons an opportunity to perform a range of procedures at the same time using associated equipment. The four pathologies allowed the team to explore both the effectiveness of these procedures and the safety aspect of the novel endoscope. Conditions targeted included traumatic lesions, malformations (for example spina bifida), tumours, and post-surgical arachnoid reactions. The fluid system of the Minosc constitutes another key to its success in the surgical procedures. For example, neurotransmitters were injected for neural regeneration after traumatic damage of the spine. Use of a very thin catheter for drainage of cysts in malformations present in spina bifida was also achieved. For post-surgical arachnoid reactions, hydrodissection was used for gentle cleaning. The possibilities for the use of Minosc could be extended with the association of other surgical appliances. The achievement of safe images within a sensitive area like the spinal cord can be married to non-invasive techniques for full utilisation of surgery.
