New technology has transformed the way brain surgery is performed at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital (RMCH).
BrainLab Curve 2 has been described as a “satnav for the brain” and provides a powerful and versatile image guided display for surgeons while operating.
RMCH – the first hospital in the country to invest in this equipment – has invested £300k in order to acquire this cutting-edge technology.
Before an operation takes place, a scan is taken of the brain which is reflected onto the machine in 3D.
The scan then accurately shows surgeons where the tumour is and allows them to operate safely without impacting on any other areas of the brain.
The new software can also be used to plan the surgery beforehand, by allowing surgeons to practice virtually removing the tissues needed to approach a surgical target, and minimising the risk to the patient.
It has already been used in operations on three children with brain tumours and is expected to benefit more than 100 patients a year at RMCH.
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