Development of US based device for intracranial ventriculostomy

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.

FUSE has been designed to maximise impact in partnership with industry, international academics, and other organisations such as NPL and the NHS. It includes funded mechanisms to deal with opportunities in equality, diversity and integration (EDI) and in realisation of impactful outcomes.

EDI is aimed at realising the full potential of the talented individuals that join FUSE. Funding mechanisms include support for ten undergraduate internships to prime the pipeline into FUSE research studentships; part-time studentships reserved for people with specific needs to access this route; and talent scholarships for people from Widening Participation backgrounds. Additionally, cultural issues will be addressed through funded support for work life-balance activities and for workshops exploring the enhancement of research creativity and inventiveness through diversity.

People: As a community, FUSE will contribute to impact principally through its excellent training of outstanding people. At least 54 EngD and PhD graduates will emerge with very high value skills from the experience FUSE will provide in ultrasonics and through highly relevant professional skills. This will position them perfectly as future leaders in ultrasonics in the types of organisation represented by the partners.

Knowledge: FUSE will also create significant knowledge which will be captured in many different forms including industrial know-how, patents and processes, designs, and academic papers. Management of this knowledge will be integrated into the students' training, including data management and archival, and will be communicated effectively to those in positions to exploit it.

Economic Gain: In turn, the people and knowledge will lead to the economic impact that FUSE is ultimately designed to generate. The close interaction between the FUSE academics, its research students and industry partners will make it particularly efficient and, since FUSE includes both suppliers and customers, the transition from knowledge creation to exploitation will be accelerated.

Societal Benefit: FUSE is well placed to deliver a number of societal benefits which will reinforce our researcher training and external partner impacts. This activity encompasses new consumer products; improved public safety through advanced inspection across many industrial sectors; and new modalities for medical surgery and therapy. In addition, FUSE will provide engaging demonstrators to promote education in science, technology, engineering and maths, helping replenish the FUSE pipeline and supporting growth of the FUSE community far beyond its immediate members.

Impactful outcomes will gain from several specific funding mechanisms: horizon scanning workshops will focus on specific ultrasonic engineering application areas with industrial and other external participation; all FUSE students will have external partners and both industrial and international academic secondments will be arranged, as well as EngD studentships primarily in industry; and industry case studies will be considered. There will also be STEM promotion activity, funding ultrasonic technology demonstrators to support school outreach and public science and engineering events.