Non-invasive intracranial pressure measurement Trauma to the head and brain tumours can cause increased intracranial pressure (ICP) leading to brain damage and death. Accurate monitoring of pressure inside the skull is crucial to avoid prolonged ICP. Fundamental Research Health © whiteMocca, Shutterstock Current methods of measuring ICP are all invasive, have low accuracy and run the risk of cross-infection. The EU-funded MICP project has developed a novel non-invasive technique using engineering techniques based on the deformed cranium as it corresponds to ICP fluctuation. The researchers adopted the hollow sphere model and developed and validated a 3D finite element model to investigate the mechanisms of deformation of the human skull when challenged with changing ICP. The finite element software took into account that the cranial cavity is composed of skull and the thin-walled dura mater. Reconstructions of the model were done using multi-CT or MRI scanning technology. To determine if the tissue fluid element in both compact and cancellous bone has an impact on viscoelasticity, MICP examined the microstructure of pig skull bone. Results of the model from scanning electronic microscopy and subsequent fluid-solid interaction showed that the interstitial-fluid flow affected the deformation of skull bone in the channel region. A first, the work has been submitted for publication in four high-ranked peer-reviewed journals. The research team investigated the material properties of skull bone and brain, and their impact on viscoelasticity in response to increased ICP with time. The time-to-delivery was found to significantly increase elastic modulus and ultimate stress in samples. Moreover, the elastic modulus of monolayer compact bone was about 2.5 times as much as that of cancellous bone. Tuning a dynamic mechanical analysis testing device normally used for bone, they also tested the material properties of brain tissue for the whole brain. Via modelling and functional imaging techniques, the MICP project has provided data that can optimise current therapies in patients requiring intracranial interventions. The team has implemented new approaches and techniques, explored new targets, and defined new disease populations; thus, delivering clinical and financial benefits. As the most common cause of death in neurosurgical patients is raised ICP, the MICP project deliverables stand to improve patient survival rates significantly. Moreover, as the method is non-invasive, costs and recovery time are reduced, accompanied by an increase in wellbeing of the patient. Keywords Intracranial pressure, skull, MICP, bone, viscoelasticity
