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Novel Techniques for Neurosurgery
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Novel Techniques for Neurosurgery

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2026 | Viewed by 2356

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Muhammet Enes Gurses

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Neurosurgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1095 NW 14th Terrace (D4-6), Miami, FL 33136, USA
Interests: neuroanatomy; 3D modeling; augmented reality; virtual reality; brain Injury; neuroimaging; brain stimulation; neuro-oncology; traumatic brain injury; acquired brain injury
Prof. Dr. Mario Valentino

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Malta, 2080 Msida, Malta
Interests: stroke; imaging technologies; neurophysiology, surgical techniques
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recent advances in biomedical engineering, imaging, and computational modeling have catalyzed a paradigm shift in neurosurgical practice. Consequently, this Special Issue, Novel Techniques for Neurosurgery, aims to highlight the cutting-edge developments that are transforming diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative strategies in neurosurgery. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, extended reality (AR/VR/MR), surgical simulation using 3D modeling, robot-assisted neurosurgery, intraoperative neuroimaging, neuromodulation technologies, and novel bioengineering approaches for neural tissue repair. Special attention will be paid to interdisciplinary methods that integrate artificial intelligence, biomedical imaging, and digital technologies to improve neurosurgical precision and patient outcomes.

We welcome original research articles, reviews, and technical notes that focus on innovative tools, technologies, and methodologies applied in cranial and spinal neurosurgery. The objective is to foster a multidisciplinary dialog between clinicians, scientists, and engineers to advance the field through collaborative innovation.

Dr. Muhammet Enes Gurses
Prof. Dr. Mario Valentino
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • neurosurgery
  • neuroimaging
  • augmented reality
  • virtual reality
  • 3D modeling
  • brain simulation
  • robotic surgery
  • neurotechnology
  • brain tumors
  • surgical innovation

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 5114 KB  
Article
New Insights into Surgical Techniques and Anatomical Landmarks for Tubular Scaffold Implantation in the Sciatic Nerve of Rats
by Daniel Vargas-Chávez, Carlos Veuthey, Brandon Gutiérrez, María Eugenia González-Quijón, Josefa Alarcón-Apablaza, Luiz Gustavo de Sousa, Mariano del Sol and Fernando José Dias
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 1296; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16031296 - 27 Jan 2026
Viewed by 398
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries, especially neurotmesis, require precise repair strategies due to their severity and limited capacity for spontaneous regeneration. Nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) offer a promising alternative to autografts; however, consistent surgical techniques and anatomical references in rodent models could be enhanced. This [...] Read more.
Peripheral nerve injuries, especially neurotmesis, require precise repair strategies due to their severity and limited capacity for spontaneous regeneration. Nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) offer a promising alternative to autografts; however, consistent surgical techniques and anatomical references in rodent models could be enhanced. This ex vivo study focuses on describing and establishing a standardized, reproducible anatomical and technical protocol for implanting an NGC in the sciatic nerve of Wistar rats, identifying a 7 mm segment free of collateral branches as a safe site for neurotmesis. Thirty cadaveric hind limbs were positioned in lateral decubitus, and anatomical landmarks such as the greater trochanter, ischial bone, and femoral condyle guided the incision. A 1 cm scaffold was inserted and secured with 8-0 absorbable sutures, while muscle and skin were closed with 5-0 and non-absorbable sutures. The technique enabled safe access to the nerve, minimized risk to adjacent structures, and ensured proper scaffold positioning without tension. This standardized approach improves surgical reproducibility and supports anatomical integrity; however, because the study used ex vivo cadaveric samples, its capacity to facilitate functional nerve regeneration remains theoretical. While the protocol emphasizes the importance of surgical planning and suture patterns, it cannot account for active biological processes such as angiogenesis, inflammatory response, or axonal growth, which are critical for successful repair. Ultimately, this study provides a reliable anatomical platform for NGC evaluation under controlled experimental conditions, serving as a necessary precursor to in vivo validation of safety and functional outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Techniques for Neurosurgery)
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Review

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26 pages, 11968 KB  
Review
The Therapeutic Loop: Closed-Loop Epilepsy Systems Mirroring the Read–Write Architecture of Brain–Computer Interfaces
by Justo Montoya-Gálvez, Karla Ivankovic, Rodrigo Rocamora and Alessandro Principe
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 294; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16010294 - 27 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1480
Abstract
Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) remains a major therapeutic challenge, as a considerable proportion of epilepsy patients fail to achieve seizure control with conventional anti-seizure medications or surgical therapy. Closed-loop systems have emerged as a promising alternative, offering patient-specific, on-demand neuromodulation. Despite notable advances in [...] Read more.
Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) remains a major therapeutic challenge, as a considerable proportion of epilepsy patients fail to achieve seizure control with conventional anti-seizure medications or surgical therapy. Closed-loop systems have emerged as a promising alternative, offering patient-specific, on-demand neuromodulation. Despite notable advances in the academic domain, clinical translation has stagnated, and surgical resection remains the intervention with the highest probability of achieving seizure freedom. In this review, we delineate the principal limitations currently constraining progress in epilepsy neuromodulation and conceptualise these systems as instantiations of the read-write architecture characteristic of brain–computer interfaces. The read component entails the continuous acquisition and analysis of neurophysiological signals to predict or detect imminent seizures. In contrast, the write component involves the delivery of targeted interventions to disrupt epileptiform dynamics and prevent clinical seizure manifestation. We outline the closed-loop processing pipeline, survey the current state of the art, and discuss key methodological and translational challenges, particularly in algorithm validation and long-term reliability. Finally, we address patients’ and caregivers’ perspectives on the acceptance and practical integration of such technologies. This work synthesises current advances in the field and delineates the path toward fully autonomous clinically effective closed-loop neuromodulation as a viable treatment paradigm for DRE, aiming to improve patients’ quality of life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Techniques for Neurosurgery)
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