Automated Cranial Burr Hole Device and Method - (HJF 509-18)

Researchers at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) and Johns Hopkins University (JHU) have developed a compact and easy-to-use intracranial access device to treat patients suffering from epidural hemorrhages (EDH) or subdural hemorrhages (SDH) in austere environments. As the window of opportunity for diagnosis and treatment is short, this device can create burr holes to help relieve pressure in less than 15 minutes using IR sensors to localize and visualize the hemorrhage. The device is usable in the field, in the absence of a trained surgeon and outside of a hospital without access to imaging devices or an operating room.

Applications and Advantages

Complete solution:Offers treatment process from identifying the hemorrhage to extraction and monitoring until transported to proper facility
Efficient:Time-efficient, the device robustly locks in place until further treatment is available
Field use: Can be used by individuals without extensive medical training and/or knowledge, lightweight, portable, reusable, rechargeable
Infection control: Sealing rubber membrane affords repeated access while reducing risk of infection
Simple Read-Out-Based Detection of Hemorrhage Location: IR-based sensors on the device help locate the hemorrhage in less than 15 minutes
Extraction and Further Monitoring: Access hole created by the device can be used to insert monitoring devices or medication

Innovation Description

Text Box: Figure 1: Intracranial access device mounted on the skull Traumatic injury to the head can cause death or brain damage if not treated quickly. In the case of epidural hemorrhage (EDH) or subdural hemorrhage (SDH), immediate relief from fluid pressure buildup prevents brain tissue compression and further damage. Conventional medical treatment of these hemorrhages requires the surgical removal of a bone flap and direct aspiration of the hemorrhage by a neurosurgeon in a hospital operating room with imaging equipment. However, no comparable treatment is available in austere environments or in medical centers without trained neurosurgical professionals. To address this gap, USU and JHU scientists have developed a portable, reusable handheld intracranial access device (Figure 1) to detect and treat EDH and SDH from start to finish. Components of the device include fasteners, drills, cauterizers, seals, and IR-based sensors for visualizing hemorrhage location. Once the hemorrhage is located, it can be extracted to relieve pressure in less than 15 minutes.

Its lightweight, portable, and robust form factor allows fasteners to lock the device in place on the cranium until the patient is transported to a facility with neurosurgical care capabilities. Reusability is possible due to sterilizable components on the device and a rechargeable power supply. The device could also be used by wilderness medics, field workers, ships doctors, rural health care providers, and paramedics practicing during mass casualties.