Sonowand Update

David Jellinek, lead brain tumour surgeon for South Yorkshire, gives an update on the Sonowand, what it has meant to his team and patients at the Royal Hallamshire hospital and developments around the country since its introduction to the Neurological Unit in 2006.

David Jellinek Constant Neurosurgeon RHH: Lead for South Yorkshire Neuro Oncology MDT writes

“Through the generosity of the local population in supporting ‘Neurocare’, Sheffield neurosurgeons are recognised as National leaders in pioneering an advanced brain imaging tool that has made brain surgery for patients with brain tumours, blood vessel malformations and hydrocephalus easier for the surgeon and therefore safer and better for patients.

Neurocare had the foresight in 2006 to fund purchase of the UK’s first intraoperative live 3D brain scanner using ultrasound to generate pictures of the brain during brain surgery. The technology was designed and pioneered in Norway, and Sheffield surgeons visited Norway in 2006 to see its benefits in action. The surgeons immediately recognised its potential and thanks to Neurocare the first of 3 intraoperative scanners was brought to Sheffield in October 2006.

The first patient was so grateful to have her brain tumour operated using this new technology that she volunteered to make a star appearance on local TV and in the local press. Subsequent to the Sonowand being introduced to Sheffield it has been used on a regular basis (sometimes twice a day) on patients undergoing brain tumour surgery.

Mr Jellinek (the lead brain tumour surgeon for South Yorkshire) has kept a careful record of the value of the technology in helping his surgery, and following presentations to his colleagues in the UK, Sonowand systems have gone into neurosurgical units in London and Birmingham, and are being considered for Edinburgh and Newcastle. Sheffield has also been put on the World map as a pioneering brain surgery centre (because of the Sonowand) by presentations internationally (USA, Australia, Germany, Japan, Turkey) by Mr Jellinek to international brain tumour meetings.”

A big thank you to everybody who helped to fund this wonderful piece of equipment. It is fantastic to hear that through your help and Mr Jellinek's hard work this piece of equipment is now being used in other neurosurgical units around the country. Thank you.