How does BrainPath work?
Deep-seated brain tumors and blood clots have always posed a challenge for neurosurgeons. While they could reach the tumors, they risked damaging the surrounding tissues where nerves control body functions like movement, memory, vision, and speech.
BrainPath offers a new way forward.
First, the neurosurgeon reviews the BrightMatter™ planning software advanced imaging to map in detail the tumor or clot in the brain, as well as the tissue and millions of white matter brain fibers surrounding it. Think of it as studying a color photo instead of one that’s just black and white.
The imaging is combined with a precision navigation system that guides the neurosurgeon, in real time, to the tumor or blood clot. Then, the neurosurgeon enters the brain through a small opening with the BrainPath device. Its cone-shaped sheath safely
pushes aside the dense and sensitive white matter tracts of neural networks and serves as a protective portal so the neurosurgeon can more easily access the tumor or clot.
Next, using high-powered optics, the neurosurgeon inserts another automated tool, the NICO Myriad, through the sheath. The device - which is about the diameter of a pencil - is used to remove only the targeted tissue without injuring nearby brain structures.
Our neurosurgeons are able to reach the deepest recesses of the brain, and this advanced process may result in less blood loss and faster recovery for patients.
What’s more, a filter on the Myriad device also allows the neurosurgeon to capture sterile, intact tissue that can be studied later by clinicians and researchers.
Dr. Marco Marsella, an independent neurosurgeon* on staff at Abrazo Central
Campus, is the first Arizona physician trained to use the BrainPath tool.
"With this technology, we may approach tumors that were considered hard to remove or whose resection would pose a high intraoperative risk," Dr. Marsella said. "Benefits of this device include safer surgery, that usually provides faster recovery time, minimal internal and external scarring, less trauma to the brain and nerves, fewer side effects and complications post-surgery."