DMC Harper University Hospital is the First in Michigan to Utilize New Device for Brain Tumor Removal

One of a kind device gives hope to patients with hard to reach tumors

DETROIT, Oct. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- DMC Harper University Hospital is the first in Michigan to use a new device, the NICO Myriad™, for brain tumor removal.  This one of a kind device is progressing minimally invasive surgery giving many patients hope that their previously inoperable or hard to reach brain tumors can now be safely removed.

The Myriad is an automated, non-heat producing surgical device that removes tumor tissue using either open or endoscopic surgical techniques.  What sets this new technology apart from other neurosurgical devices is its ability to access hard to reach places in the brain.

Murali Guthikonda M.D., Chief of Neurosurgery at DMC Harper University Hospital and Professor of Neurosurgery at Wayne State University School of Medicine, is one of a handful of neurosurgeons in the U.S. who has used the Myriad.  "The Myriad, a ground-breaking device in brain tumor removal, was essential for us to have at the DMC Harper University Hospital not only for clinical breakthroughs, but to continue our reputation for staying on the leading edge of technology."

DMC Harper University Hospital neurosciences program is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best in the nation.  Neurosurgeons in Michigan and across the U.S. view Harper as a top care facility for patients with complex neurological cases and no hospital in Michigan offers more neurosurgery options.

The NICO Myriad™ is a versatile tool and comes in sizes from 0.9mm to 3mm in diameter. The tool has an opening at the tip on its side, moving at 1400 cycles per second. It is controlled by the surgeon allowing the removal of the tumor to be very precise.  

"Patients who have tumors that are located in the depths of brain and are hard to reach can be removed using a dime sized opening in the skull and using a combination of navigation and endoscopes with the Myriad. This device allows the surgeon to get to the tumor without damaging the brain along the way," states Dr. Guthikonda.  "We are also optimistic that this device will make a difference in treating patients with brain hemorrhages allowing us to achieve better outcomes with our patients and improve their quality of life."

DMC Harper University Hospital is one of nine hospitals operated by the Detroit Medical Center (DMC).  It is the region's specialty hospital for treatment of the minor to the most complex cases in cardiology, neurology, neurosurgery, organ transplants and bariatric surgery.  Physicians from across the country refer their patients to Harper University Hospital because it offers their patients Exceptional Doctors.  Exceptional Care. The DMC has a combined 2,000-licensed beds, 2,600 affiliated physicians and is the academic health system for Wayne State University School of Medicine, which is one of America's top medical schools.

SOURCE DMC Harper University Hospital