Demonstrator an sonodynamic ablative procedures

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Jörg Schipper
• Subject Area: Automation, Mechatronics, Control Systems, Intelligent Technical Systems, Robotics ; Otolaryngology, Phoniatrics and Audiology
• Term: from 2010 to 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 179880849

In the initial phase of the project (FOR 1585, multi-port bone surgery as example of the otobasis MUKNO) a software-based planning and simulation of the multi-port approaches was developed by optimization of imaging, registration and risk assessment to different regions of interest within the otobasis. These results could be validated in the transmission of the simulation on a human temporal bone cadaver model. However, an interference of the access routes in deeper parts of the petrous bone, as well as the design of the manipulation space, e.g. in case of a minimally invasive resection of tumors remain problematic. A significant step forward is expected through non-linear pathways which could bypass critical regions in accordance with shortest access to the region of interest. The diameter of the possible drilling trajectory, as well as the space at the target area for the surgical manipulation in relation to the patients anatomy remains limited despite the feasibility of a MUKNO procedure. Therefore, a further condition for the implementation of a minimally invasive surgery in the petrous bone is also appropriate by flexible instruments for the non-linear access to operate safely despite a limited handling space at the destination. Other, in particular flexible microinstruments are required for this purpose. In addition, other physical methods of tissue modulation must be used because of missing linearity of the access routes on the basis of cable-guided applications, for example, to inactivate tumor biologically or by ablation. Sonodynamic ablation procedures are established in medicine in the form of piezosurgery. Micro-vibrations in the ultrasonic range are generated and transmitted on a cutting tool. It can thus serve as a saw for bone while it protects soft tissue at the same time, because this tissue shows a different resonance behavior. So far, no tissue-selective manipulation of soft tissue by ultrasound is possible. If different cell types such as tumor cells compared to healthy mucosa cells show a different resonance, a selective ablation of specific soft tissue will be possible. It would be possible to connect a sonodynamic applicator with a tumor, stimulate it by a specific frequency of the ultrasonic, and break cell-specific bindings under protection of the healthy surrounding soft tissue.The further propose of this project is to summarizes the projects 1 to 5 and evaluated in a demonstrator on the basis of human skull preparations. All parts of the planning and control of non-linear trajectory during and after the intervention will be monitored and metrologically analyzed.

• DFG Programme: Research Units
• Subproject of: FOR 1585: Multiport Bone Surgery at the Otobase
• Participating Persons: Dr. Stefan Hansen; Privatdozent Dr. Thomas Klenzner