Neurodesignltd
Enhancing Neurosurgical Procedures with Innovative Solutions

Due to rapid advancements in technology, neurosurgical education has gained impetus with computer-engineered photorealistic and 3D-printed models for simulation. These models provide high fidelity compared with cadaveric methods, thereby witnessing higher adoption in neurosurgical training programs. However, these models do not always exactly mimic the clinical space leading to inefficiencies and practical skill gaps during the training programs. Mr Richard Ashpole, Director at Neurodesign, observes, “Although there are many innovative training models available today, many of these existing solutions fail to deliver the goods from a surgical perspective.” One of the primary reasons for this is the nonparticipation of surgeons in the early design stage.

Collectively, the aforementioned shortcomings and hindrances prompted Mr Ashpole to lay the cornerstone of Neurodesign – a company that specialises in designing surgical instruments and teaching simulators for neurosurgery. A consultant neurosurgeon at Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC), Nottingham, UK, Mr. Ashpole has a proven track record (more than 11 years) in designing medical devices, simulation equipment, and informatics. “As a practising consultant neurosurgeon with more than 25 years of experience, it is easier for me to design models that fit the bill of modern neurosurgical procedures,” states Mr Ashpole. Once Mr Ashpole designs a product, he collaborates with manufacturers to bring his idea to life and subsequently tests the efficacy of the prototype, leveraging the modern academic neurosurgical unit at QMC.

Neurodesign offers the ‘Rowena’ Neurosurgical Simulator (Realistic Operative Workstation for Educating Neurosurgical Apprentices) – a complete cranial neurosurgical simulator that enables a safe practice in tandem with a wide range of neurosurgical approaches and procedures.

Named after Mr Ashpole’s daughter, the simulator is used for training neurosurgeons in the UK., North America, Asia, and many European countries.

“Our Rowena Neurosurgical Simulator is now used by the Society of British Neurological Surgeons (SBNS) in their mandated boot camp training for all new neurosurgeons in Britain,” informs Mr. Ashpole.

Along with the Rowena Neurosurgical Simulator, Neurodesign has also designed a range of other products to enhance the efficiency of neurosurgical procedures. For instance, the company’s Ventrifix (manufactured by Neuromedex) is a simple, reliable, and inexpensive device that securely anchors external ventricular drain (EVDs) in place during neurosurgery. Prior to this Neurodesign’s Cervical Arthroplasty instrumentation provides precise and safe insertion of the DiscoCerv cervical arthroplasty, with an adjustable stop to prevent inadvertent over-insertion. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt instrumentation, an earlier product, mediates a non-touch shunt assembly and insertion technique. Along with designing these innovative devices, Mr Ashpole has also written a series of patient information leaflets on neurosurgical procedures for EIDO Healthcare.

Although Mr Ashpole describes his business as a kitchen table hobby, Neurodesign has come a long way and received plaudits for its innovative solutions in the neurosurgery realm. The company has won several accolades, including the ‘Federation of Small Business Innovation of the Year Award for the East Midlands’, and ‘East Midlands Chambers of Commerce Excellence in Innovation Award’, amongst others. Going forward, the company plans to extend the capabilities of its Rowena Neurosurgical Simulator to cover more advanced surgical approaches such as transsphenoidal, trans labyrinthine, and posterior fossa. “With the proposed improvements, neurosurgeons, as well as ENT surgeons, can use Rowena for a variety of procedures,” mentions Mr. Ashpole. The company is also working in collaboration with the QMC to evaluate an electronic diagnostic device for neurosurgery and is testing a further device to improve brain tumour resections. “We are ready to partner with companies to design neurosurgical equipment as well as helping set up training courses for trainee neurosurgeons,” concludes Mr. Ashpole.