Novel MIS device to seal dural leaks after brain/spine surgery
Official title: Novel device for the repair and sealing of dural perforations in minimally invasive surgery
Funded at Patchclamp Medtech, INC. · NIH-11313359 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, one-handed, minimally invasive device helps doctors quickly seal leaks in the protective covering of the brain and spinal cord during surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Patchclamp Medtech, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | July 27, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,524,947 |
| NIH project number | 2R44NS135645-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11313359 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients undergoing MIS brain or spine procedures at risk for dural tears or leaks.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without risk of CSF leakage in brain/spine surgery or those not undergoing MIS may not benefit.
What this research studies
If you or a loved one needs brain or spine surgery, this project aims to reduce CSF leak risks by using a small, easy-to-use device that places a bioabsorbable graft at the leak site and locks it in place. The system works through a special applicator that can be used one-handed, which is helpful in tight surgical spaces. Phase I showed the approach can seal dural openings faster and more reliably than current methods in lab and anatomical models. In Phase II, the team plans to refine prototypes for clinical use and start moving toward patient-ready testing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the device could reduce CSF leak rates, infections, and hospital stays after MIS brain and spinal surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: Prior methods struggle with watertight duran seals in MIS; this approach shows promise in faster sealing in models.
Where this research is happening
-
Patchclamp Medtech, INC.
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mayberg, Marc Robert — Patchclamp Medtech, INC.
- Study coordinator: Mayberg, Marc Robert
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.