A new needle technique to treat epilepsy without open brain surgery
An MRI-Guided Steerable Needle to Replace Open Brain Surgery for Epilepsy Patients
This study is testing a new way to treat epilepsy using a special needle guided by MRI to safely target and heat the part of the brain that causes seizures, offering a less risky option than traditional brain surgery for patients who haven't found relief with medication.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10746104 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a novel MRI-guided steerable needle that can perform thermal ablation of the hippocampus, which is responsible for seizures in many epilepsy patients. By using this innovative approach, the researchers hope to provide a less invasive alternative to traditional open brain surgery, which is often avoided due to its risks and complications. The technique involves real-time MRI guidance to ensure precision during the procedure, potentially allowing for a safer and more effective treatment option for epilepsy. The goal is to improve outcomes for patients who do not respond to medication and to reduce the risks associated with current surgical methods.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are epilepsy patients, particularly those who have not responded to drug therapy and are considering surgical options.
Not a fit: Patients with epilepsy who are well-controlled on medication or those who do not have seizures originating from the hippocampus may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer, less invasive treatment option for epilepsy patients, potentially curing their condition.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of using minimally invasive techniques for epilepsy treatment is gaining traction, this specific approach with a steerable needle is innovative and has not been widely tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, UNITED STATES
- Vanderbilt University — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barth, Eric John — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Barth, Eric John
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.