Research Update
Safe system developed for neural transplantation
CMAJ 2000;162:1197
Treating Parkinson's disease through fetal cell transplantation has been investigated by neurosurgeons for the past 2 decades. Despite promising results, however, trauma from the procedure and an inability to maximize the number of cells deposited have prevented the procedure from becoming routine. Now a Halifax neurosurgeon has invented a simple, reliable and safe system for performing neural transplantation in the brain, which may overcome these obstacles (J Neurosurg 2000;92:493-9).
"Twenty-four hours after patients were operated on using the new system, there was no evidence of hemorrhage or tissue damage, which are potential side effects associated with neural transplantation," says Dr. Ivar Mendez, head of the Division of Neurosurgery at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre. The new system, which was developed in Nova Scotia with the help of the Biomedical Engineering Departments at the QE II Hospital and the Izaak Walton KillamGrace Health Centre, increases the number of graft deposits of healthy cells that can be made with each injection, while decreasing trauma related to the procedure. The system consists of a unique piece of equipment called a "transplantation cannula" and a microinjector device. The entire system fits on a Hamilton syringe.
The microinjector system was initially tested in the laboratory with positive results. Now it has been used on 8 patients with Parkinson's disease, who underwent a total of 16 transplantations involving 64 trajectories at the QE II.
Not only patients with Parkinson's disease can benefit from the new system, says Dr. Mendez. "This device has the potential to be useful in cell therapy delivery for other neurological conditions." — Donalee Moulton, Halifax
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