A patient was operated on for brain tumour, at the University Hospital Center (CHU) of Angers (Maine-et-Loire). So far, nothing abnormal. Except that the patient remained awake the entire duration of the operation. The only device used: 3D glasses that immersed him in a virtual reality.
An interaction between the surgeon and the patient
This operation is a world first and is part of the CERVO research project (Awakened Surgery under Virtual Reality in the Operating Room). Its interest: to act on delicate areas of the brain, hitherto difficult to operate, thanks to constant interaction between surgeon and patient. In practice, the neurosurgeon stimulates the brain with an electrode and can thus “perform precise mapping and spare the areas of the cortex and their connections involved in essential functions such as motor skills and language“explains the Angers University Hospital in a press release. Better still, the reactions of the patient awake on the operating table will allow, throughout the surgical intervention, to “test more complex brain functions such as decision-making in an unexpected situation or visual exploration of space“Another advantage of using virtual reality 3D glasses: immersing the patient in a relaxing environment, in combination with hypnosis techniques.
Extend these operations to children
The patient operated on January 27, 2016 suffered from a tumor located near areas of language and visual connections. Three weeks after the operation, this man is doing well. This is a first step towards the practice of operations for brain tumors that are difficult to reach and the reduction of the handicaps potentially induced by the surgery. Surgeons want to deploy this innovation to other patients, especially children. The Angers University Hospital is indeed a pioneer in pediatric surgery, and this technique would limit stress in young patients while reducing the risk of sequelae. The CERVO project was created two years ago by the neurosurgery team of Professor Philippe Menei from the University Hospital of Angers and by the Digital Health Handicap Interactions laboratory (INSH) directed by Doctor Evelyne Klinger at the School of Engineers. in Digital Sciences and Technologies (ESIA).
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