Clinical Research Directory

3D Printed PEEK Implants for Cranioplasty

This study is a non-randomised and single center study with patients needing an artificial skull bone eg cranioplasty. 40 patients will be implanted with in house manufactured polyether ether ketone (PEEK) implants using a fused filament fabrication 3D printer. The primary aim is to ascertain safety and feasibility of the procedure. The secondary aim is to compare complication rates with conventional methods such as autologous bone and polymethylmetacrylate (PMMA).

Functionalized Bioink Delivering Biomolecules for the Treatment of Craniofacial Diseases

The study aims to address the challenges of craniofacial bone reconstruction in pediatric and adult patients affected by congenital craniofacial malformations (i.e. craniosynostosis), trauma or tumors, by developing an innovative biohybrid material with tunable rheological properties, serving as a sealing agent and defect filler. Craniectomy/craniotomy procedures often leave bone defects that require cranioplasty to protect the underlying dura mater and the brain from physical insults. Reconstruction of the viscerocranial skeleton poses additional challanges, due to the complex anatomy of the facial skull and significant esthetic and functional demands on its reconstruction. The study plans to develop a mouldable biosynthetic gelatin-methacrylamide (GelMA)-based hydrogel complexed with functionalized Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles for drug delivery. Osteoprogenitors cells (including mesenchymal stromal cells/osteoblasts and monocytes/osteoclasts) will be isolated from bone tissue fragments of enrolled patients and peripheral blood sample, respectively, to obtain 2D and 3D cultures mimicking the in vivo bone environment. High-throughput profiling of patients' samples will identify druggable targets for the bioactive compounds to be released by the bioink. In vitro validation will involve osteoprogenitor co-cultures derived from patients to assess uptake, release dynamics, biocompatibility, immunogenicity, and therapeutic effects of the developed complex. The final goal will be to develop a pre-prototype tissue engineering biocomposite for craniofacial bone reconstruction.

Prospective Observational Study on Comprehensive Effects of PEEK Cranioplasty and Titanium Cranioplasty After DC（RECEPT-DC）

The objective of this trial is to scientifically evaluate the efficacy of PEEK cranioplasty and titanium cranioplasty. The primary objective is to compare the rate of implant failure (defined as infection, implant exposure and other causes requiring removal of the implanted material) at any time within 12 months after cranioplasty. The secondary objective is to compare the complication rates and neurological function recover following cranioplasty. Complication events after cranioplasty are investigated within 6 months after surgery and neurological function is evaluated at 3, 6 and 12 months after cranioplasty.

Comparison of Clinical Value in the Use of the Fascia Lata and Temporal Muscle Fascia in the Reconstruction of the Dura in the Sellar Region

Study Title: Assessing the Clinical Significance of Using Fascia Lata versus Temporalis Muscle Fascia for Skull Base Reconstruction in Sellar Region Objective: The primary objective of this study is to investigate and compare the effectiveness and safety of using fascia lata and temporal muscle fascia in the reconstruction of the skull base in the sellar region. Specifically, the study aims to determine and compare the level of donor site pain between the two groups using Visual Analogue Scales (VAS). The study also aims to identify the optimal method and materials for skull base reconstruction that result in the lowest frequency of complications, thereby reducing perioperative morbidity and enabling earlier rehabilitation of patients. Subjects and Methods: Study Design: Prospective randomized controlled trial. Population: The study will enroll 68 patients who have undergone endoscopic endonasal surgery for sellar region pathology. Patients will be divided into two groups: one group will receive skull base reconstruction using fascia lata, and the other group will receive reconstruction using temporal fascia. Interventions: In the fascia lata group, grafts will be harvested from the thigh, while in the temporal fascia group, grafts will be harvested from the temporal muscle area. Measurements: Primary Outcome: Donor site pain measured using Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) at various postoperative intervals (preoperative, and on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd postoperative days, as well as 1 month and 3 months post-surgery). Secondary Outcomes: Incidence of postoperative complications such as meningitis, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, donor site infection, and other surgical complications. Expected Contribution: This research is expected to provide valuable insights into the comparative effectiveness and safety of using fascia lata versus temporal muscle fascia for skull base reconstruction. The findings could influence clinical decisions regarding the choice of graft material, potentially leading to reduced perioperative morbidity, faster patient rehabilitation, and improved overall outcomes for patients undergoing skull base surgeries.