A new study from doctors at Miami Neuroscience Institute, part of Baptist Health, highlights a gentler way to perform brain surgery, one that uses small tools and avoids the need for large openings in the skull. The research suggests this approach may offer a safer, more efficient option for patients needing surgery for deep brain tumors and other serious conditions.
The study—led by neurosurgeon Dr. Vitaly Siomin, director of cerebrovascular surgery and co-director of skull base surgery at Miami Neuroscience Institute— was published in Operative Neurosurgery and followed 13 patients who underwent this minimally invasive procedure. Instead of using bulky equipment, the team used a small, flexible medical tube – originally designed for blood vessels – to gently create a pathway to the tumor. Cotton pads were used to protect the brain during surgery, allowing the surgeons to work carefully without putting too much pressure on surrounding areas.
“This technique shows that we don’t always need the most high-tech or expensive tools to do brain surgery safely,” said Dr. Siomin. “With the right planning, we can remove even deep tumors through a much smaller opening, and that can make a big difference for the patient.”
All patients in the study had serious brain conditions, such as glioblastoma, metastases, or other deep-seated tumors. The results were encouraging – doctors were able to remove most or all of the tumor in nearly every case, and there were no major surgical complications. One patient had temporary speech and movement issues after surgery, but they improved within a few weeks.
Why Smaller Can Be Better
Traditional brain surgery often requires large openings in the skull and the use of rigid tools to hold brain tissue aside. This can sometimes cause swelling or damage to healthy parts of the brain. Minimally invasive surgery takes a different approach, using smaller cuts, better imaging, and more careful navigation to reach the problem area with less impact.
“With this method, we let the brain move naturally during surgery rather than forcing it aside,” explained neurosurgeon Dr. Michael McDermott, a co-author of the study and chief medical executive of Miami Neuroscience Institute and the Irma & Kalman Bass Endowed Chair in Clinical Neuroscience. “That helps us reduce stress on the brain and avoid unnecessary injury.”
The small medical tube used in the procedure costs just a few hundred dollars, far less than the thousands typically spent on more complex surgical systems. That makes this technique especially useful in hospitals that may not have access to expensive technology.
Michael W. McDermott, MD
Looking Ahead
While the study was small, the results suggest that simpler methods like this could help expand access to safer brain surgery in many parts of the world. The doctors stress that it’s not about replacing advanced technology but about giving surgeons more options, especially when resources are limited.
“There are times when a robot or a high-end system is the right choice,” said Dr. Siomin. “But there are also times when we can achieve the same results with a much simpler setup. What matters most is doing what’s best for the patient.”
The team at Miami Neuroscience Institute continues to use this approach in selected cases and hopes more research will confirm its benefits for broader use.
To learn more about brain tumor treatments or schedule a consultation, visit Miami Neuroscience Institute.