Cranial rendering

Brain Port Approach

Brain Port Approach –
Tubular Surgery to Reach
Deep-Seated Brain Tumors

For gliomas, metastatic brain tumors and cerebral cavernous malformations deep within the brain.

We are a BrainPath® Center

Using the fiber tractography and BrainPath®, our neurosurgeons can more safely remove or debulk many tumors that were previously considered inoperable tumors and blood clots, delivering the best outcomes for our patients.

2_2_3_Image with BPBrainPath® Neurosurgery System

Challenging deep-seated brain tumors and blood clots have been elusive for neurosurgeons because of the risk of damaging the surrounding dense and delicate neural structures that control brain and body functions. Pacific Brain Tumor Center neurosurgeons are among the first in Southern California to use a sophisticated tool called BrainPath® which offers hope to patients with what are often considered inoperable brain tumors or blood clots. The Nico BrainPath® device allows our neurosurgeons to navigate between the natural folds and neural structures in the brain, much like a boat moving through water, to minimize collateral damage to surrounding brain tissue. We are able to map more precisely the tumor or clot location by using the device in combination with precision imaging and neuronavigation technology. This approach allows successful and safe clot or tumor removal from the brain through a small bony opening no larger than a quarter.

How BrainPath® Works

  •  Advanced imaging to map in detail the tumor or clot, and the tissue and fiber tracts surrounding it.
  • The imaging is combined with a navigation system to guide the neurosurgeon to the subcortical tumor or blood clot.
  • Using these imaging and navigation systems, the BrainPath® device is inserted into the brain through a small opening. Its cone-shaped sheath slips through the dense and sensitive white matter tracts of neural networks to the location of the tumor or clot.
  • With the aid of high-powered optics, another automated tool, the NICO Myriad®, is inserted through the sheath. The device, which is about the diameter of a pencil, is used to remove the tumor or clot. This approach may result in less blood loss and faster recovery for patients.
  • The Myriad® device also has a filter to capture the targeted tissue in a sterile and intact form to be used for pathological analysis and if needed, for genomic tumor sequencing.

Nico branded port

Conditions We Treat Using BrainPath®

The BrainPath® system represents leading-edge technology that allows us to safely reach a wide variety of previously inoperable tumors and intracerebral hemorrhages (blood clots).

They include:

  • Metastatic brain tumors, particularly in deep locations
  • Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)
  • Other primary brain tumors
  • Colloid Cysts
  • Intracerebral hemorrhage or hemorrhagic stroke
  • Hemorrhage from traumatic brain injury

For more information on BrainPath®, please contact us at (310) 582-7450 or visit www.niconeuro.com.

Written and reviewed by:
We are a highly specialized team of medical professionals with extensive neurological and cranial disorder knowledge, expertise and writing experience.
Last updated: April 6, 2020