Measuring Force During Subpial Resection Procedure Using a Novel Ex Vivo Calf Brain Model With Integrated Sensor

NCT07650253 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 2018 4395, Trial 1
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 9
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Neurosurgery is a high-stakes surgical specialty where errors can result in significant morbidity. The amount of force applied simultaneously on the brain with multiple different instruments during complex neurosurgical procedures is a critical safety metric that, to the investigators' knowledge, has not been previously measured in a realistic operative environment. The investigators have therefore developed a simulation platform integrating an ex vivo calf brain and a 3D-printed skull model attached to a force sensor capable of capturing real-time forces applied to the brain. A case series study will be conducted to evaluate the pattern of force applied. Medical students, neurosurgical residents, and staff neurosurgeons from McGill University will be recruited to perform subpial resections using our ex vivo calf brain simulation platform. The forces applied by the microscissors, bipolar forceps, and ultrasonic aspirator onto the brain will be captured. This study aims to demonstrate the spectrum of force applied during a neurosurgical procedure using an ex vivo calf brain model.

Conditions

Surgical Education

Keywords

Surgical Education; Surgical Simulation; Force Measurement

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Forces applied to the brain during each simulated subpial resection procedure step

  Throughout each simulated ex vivo subpial resection procedure, forces applied to the brain during tool-tissue contact will be measured by the force/torque sensor in grams and Newtons.

  1 day of study

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Staff neurosurgeons, neurosurgical residents, and medical students from McGill University

You may qualify if:

• Right-handed medical students, neurosurgical residents, and staff neurosurgeons from McGill University

You may not qualify if:

• Left-handed individuals

Sponsors & Collaborators

• McGill University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Neuro Imaging and Surgical Technologies Lab, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University

Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada

RECRUITING

Study Officials

• Rolando F. Del Maestro, MD, PhD

  Neurosurgical Simulation and Artificial Intelligence Learning Centre, McGill University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Amir Hooshiar, PhD

  Surgical Performance Enhancement and Robotics Centre, McGill University

  STUDY DIRECTOR

• D. Louis Collins, PhD

  Neuro Imaging and Surgical Technologies Lab, McGill University

  STUDY DIRECTOR

Central Study Contacts

Mohammed Babgi, MD

CONTACT

514-754-4533; mohammed.babgi@mail.mcgill.ca

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE ONLY
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Director, Neurosurgical Simulation and Artificial Intelligence Learning Centre

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 10, 2026
• First Posted: June 16, 2026
• Study Start: June 1, 2026
• Primary Completion: July 1, 2026
• Study Completion: July 1, 2026
• Last Updated: June 16, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-06

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share
• Shared Documents: STUDY PROTOCOL, SAP, ICF, CSR, ANALYTIC CODE

Locations

CA (1)