The ISG wand assists the surgeon in establishing anatomic relationships during surgery and assessing extent of tumor resection. This is also being used to extend the surgeon's vision around corners, allowing the surgeon more complete visualization of the operative field around the lesion while leaving cranial nerves, vasculature, and brainstem undisturbed. The Benign Brain Tumor and Skull Base Surgery Program is participating in the RU-486 clinical trial. The UCLA Benign Brain Tumor and Skull Base Surgery Program is continuing to explore and expand surgical approaches to the skull base in the laboratory. The Skull Base Laboratory's goal is to develop improved methods of accessing complicated lesions and safely removing them.
Specimen dissection is used to define, study, and document anatomical relationships.
The laboratory is also available for teaching residents, faculty, and community neurosurgeons. Current microsurgical techniques for removing skull base tumors strive to preserve the arachnoid layer investing neurologic structures at the skull base. It is within this arachnoidal layer that the vital blood supply runs. We are initiating a project to define the microvascular supply to the cranial nerves and skull base structures. A more thorough understanding will allow us to develop better and safer techniques of tumor removal.