Using advanced MRI to locate facial nerves in vestibular schwannoma surgery
The Accuracy of Advanced Probabilistic Diffusion Tensor Tractography (DTT) for the Pre-operative Identification of Facial Nerve Position in Patients With Extrameatal Vestibular Schwannomas.
This study is testing a new MRI method to see if it can help doctors find the facial nerve before surgery for patients with larger vestibular schwannomas, aiming to reduce the risk of nerve damage during the operation.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | King's College Hospital NHS Trust Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (London) |
| Trial ID | NCT04057976 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the reliability of a new MRI technique called probabilistic diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) in identifying the course of the facial nerve before surgery for vestibular schwannomas. Vestibular schwannomas are benign tumors that can cause serious symptoms and require surgical removal, but the proximity of the facial nerve poses a risk of injury during the procedure. By using DTT, surgeons may be able to visualize the nerve's path preoperatively, potentially reducing the risk of facial nerve damage. The study aims to assess how effectively DTT can reveal the facial nerve's location in patients with larger tumors.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients with vestibular schwannomas larger than 1.5 cm and with preoperative House-Brackmann grades I or II.
Not a fit: Patients with smaller tumors, those with contraindications to MRI, or those who have had previous cranial radiotherapy or surgery in the relevant area may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the risk of facial nerve injury during surgery, leading to better outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of DTT is a novel approach in this context, similar imaging techniques have shown promise in other surgical fields, suggesting potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * The capacity to understand the patient information sheet and the ability to provide written informed consent * \>1.5cm extrameatal tumor determined to represent a vestibular schwannoma by preoperative imaging * HB grade I or II preoperatively Exclusion Criteria: * Patients not meeting the above inclusion criteria * Standard contraindications to MRI * Previous cranial radiotherapy or previous surgery to the cerebellopontine angle cistern or IAM
Where this trial is running
London
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust — London, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Steve Connor, MBBS, FRCR — King's College Hospital NHS Trust
- Study coordinator: Ann-Marie Murtagh, MBBS, FRCR
- Email: annmariemurtagh@nhs.net
- Phone: 02032993841
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.