Development of US based device for intracranial ventriculostomy

该项目的目的是创建一个专门为该程序设计的超声引导引流管。探索性工作已经在一个非常短的研究项目和两个工程硕士项目中进行，这两个项目为博士提供了背景和起点。设想的设备不仅会使手术更容易，而且可能有助于在床边完成手术，使其更省时，经济高效，更容易为患者服务。其他的使用方法可以减少EVD患者在导管阻塞时进一步成像的需要，这并不罕见。脑室造口术是日常神经外科实践的一部分。根据英国的一项研究，在特定的六个月内插入了近500个EVD。这不包括永久性分流（引流）插入，根据英国分流登记，每年总计约3000例分流。2019年全球EVD市场规模为53亿美元，预计2020年至2027年将以7.6%的复合年增长率（CAGR）扩张。有证据支持在插管期间使用图像引导，以提高准确性并避免错位导管。然而，神经外科医生可能不愿意使用图像引导，以避免时间延迟或因为他们缺乏使用超声的经验。因此，设计一种易于使用、具有无缝用户体验的特异性和高效的超声成像工具将为神经外科实践带来附加价值。目前的活动可分为图像引导解决方案提供商和管（分流器）制造商。神经导航制造商包括Stealth和Brainlab以及BK Medical等超声制造商。如果新设计配置为与引流管集成的超声成像器械，分流管制造商也是相关的。有许多相关制造商，包括但不限于Medtronic和斯特赖克。

The aim of this project is to create an ultrasound-guided drainage tube that is designed specifically for the procedure. Exploratory work has already been carried out in a very short research project and in two MEng projects which provide background and a starting point for the PhD.The envisaged device will not only make the procedure much easier but might facilitate it being done bedside, to make it much more time and economically efficient and easier for the patient. Other usage ideas are in place which can reduce the need for further imaging for those patients with an EVD in place in case the tube is obstructed, which is not uncommon.The ventriculostomy procedure is part of daily neurosurgical practice. According to a UK study, there were nearly 500 EVDs inserted in a specific six-month period. This does not include permanent shunt (drain) insertion, totalling a further 3000 shunts per year, approximately, according to the UK shunt registry. The global EVD market size was valued at USD 5.3 billion in 2019 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6% between 2020 and 2027.There is evidence supporting the use of image guidance during tube insertion to improve accuracy and avoid misplaced catheters. However, neurosurgeons might be reluctant to use image guidance to avoid time delays or because of their lack of experience with using ultrasound. Designing an easy-to-use, specific and efficient ultrasound imaging tool with a seamless user experience would therefore be of added value to the neurosurgical practice.Current activity can be divided into image-guided solution providers and tube (shunt) manufacturers. Neuro-navigation manufacturers includes Stealth and Brainlab and ultrasound manufacturers such as BK Medical. Shunt manufacturers are also relevant, if the new design is configures as an ultrasound imaging device integrated with the drainage tube. There are many relevant manufacturers including but not limited to Medtronic and Stryker.