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Brand new pioneering equipment is now being used by paediatric neurosurgeons at Royal Manchester Children\u2019s Hospital (RMCH), part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and will transform how neurosurgery is performed at the Hospital.<\/h3>\nThe \u00a3300k investment into the new neuronavigational machine, BrainLab Curve 2 <\/em>is described as a \u2018satnav for the brain\u2019 and provides a powerful and versatile image guided display for surgeons whilst operating.<\/p>\n Before an operation takes place, a scan is taken of the brain which is reflected onto the machine in 3D. This accurately displays where the tumour is and allows neurosurgeons to operate safely without impacting on any other areas of the brain.\u00a0 The new software, also for the first time allows surgeons to undertake the operation virtually as pre-operative planning, by virtually removing the tissues needed to approach a surgical target, just as it would be done in the operation.<\/p>\n RMCH is the first in the country to invest in this equipment, in both adult and paediatric hospitals – putting us at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and allowing us to provide revolutionary care to our patients.<\/p>\n Ian Kamaly-Asl, Professor of Paediatric Neurosurgery at RMCH has already performed a number of operations, alongside colleagues using the equipment.<\/p>\n He said:<\/strong> \u201cThe team has used the new Curve 2 system in operations on three children with brain tumours.\u00a0 The new facilities and functions of the system have already proved invaluable in undertaking complex operations successfully.<\/p>\n \u201cWe always strive to provide the best treatment and care for our patients, doing this as safely as possible. This technology is a real step forward in providing the best care we possibly can by using the best technology available worldwide.\u201d<\/p>\n The cutting-edge equipment links in with two new state of the art microscopes and intraoperative ultrasound machine already in use at the hospital. The equipment will be a key tool for a number of neurosurgical procedures and will approximately benefit more than 100 patients a year at RMCH.<\/p>\n Royal Manchester Children\u2019s Hospital Charity has previously supported the department\u2019s Brainlab equipment from a number of donations, to provide the software to track actual brain fibre pathways within the brain.\u00a0 This software has been transferred across to the new system.<\/p>\n In addition to this, the neurosurgical endowment fund (supported by donations from lots of our supporters and patient families) has been used to purchase a dedicated server to run the planning component of the system.<\/p>\n The Charity is now in the process of fundraising an additional \u00a329,683 for a paediatric neurosurgical augmented reality system for the team. This will allow surgeons to see a 3D model of a child\u2019s condition or problem, which will further aid pre-operative planning and teaching.\u00a0 It will also significantly improve their ability to give the patient and their family an understanding of the condition and proposed treatments, helping to alleviate some of their fear or anxiety.<\/p>\n