Estimating brain tissue deformation from a microscope video

Epilepsy, a neurological disorder impacting millions worldwide, often requires precise surgical interventions when medications fail. The surgical procedure demands high levels of skill to remove the lesion causing epilepsy while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Current training methods for such intricate procedures are insufficient, relying heavily on subjective assessments and limited hands-on opportunities, which have further decreased due to restrictions like reduced duty hours and the COVID-19 pandemic.
This project builds on a previously validated simulation prototype that uses calf brains to mimic the mechanical and anatomical properties of human brain tissue. The platform employs a tracking system to collect quantitative data during procedures. However, it lacks the ability to measure one of the most critical performance metrics: the force exerted by surgical instruments on brain tissue. To address this, the project introduces a novel sensorless estimation method, leveraging high-resolution optical cameras and biomechanical modeling to infer contact forces from tissue deformation observed in real-time.
This project will provide a cost-effective, realistic training solution to address gaps in neurosurgical education, enhancing skill acquisition, reducing errors, improving patient safety, and advancing competency-based surgical education.

Faculty Supervisor:

Houssem Gueziri

Student:

Partner:

Institut Supérieur des Technologies Médicales de Tunis

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

Université TÉLUQ

Program: