Quantitation of Tissue Resection Utilizing A Brain Tumor Model And 7-Tesla MR Imaging Technology.

BACKGROUND: Animal brain tumor models can be useful educational tools for the training of neurosurgical residents in risk-free environments. MRI technologies have not been employed utilizing these models to quantitate tumor, normal grey and white matter and total tissue removal during complex neurosurgical procedures. This pilot study was carried out as a proof of concept to demonstrate the feasibility of using brain tumor models combined with 7-Tesla MR imaging technology to quantitatively assess tissue removal during subpial tumor resection.

METHODS: Seven ex-vivo calf brain hemispheres were employed to develop the 7-Tesla MRI segmentation methodology. Three brains were used to quantitate brain tissue removal employing 7-Tesla MRI segmentation methodology. Alginate artificial brain tumor were created in 4 calf brains to assess the ability of 7-Tesla MRI segmentation methodology to quantitate tumor, grey and white matter along with total tissue volumes removal during a subpial tumor resection procedure.

RESULTS: Quantitative studies demonstrated a correlation between removed brain tissue weights and volumes determined from segmented 7-Tesla MR images. Analysis of baseline and postresection alginate brain tumor segmented 7-Tesla MR images allowed quantification of tumor, grey and white matter along with total tissue volumes removed and detection of alterations in surrounding grey and white matter.

CONCLUSION: This pilot study demonstrated that the use animal tumor models in combination with 7-Tesla MR imaging technology provides an opportunity to increase the granularity of data obtained from operative procedures and improve the assessment and training of learners.