BACKGROUND: Neurological disorders affect billions of people worldwide, making the discovery of effective treatments a major challenge. “Galeno”, is a theoretical medical device that I designed for patients with severe stroke and brain hernia. Brain herniation, also known as acquired intracrania herniation, refers to the displacement of brain tissue from its normal position, into an adjacent space due to mass effect. It is a life-threatening condition that requires early diagnosis. 

OBJECTIVE: “Galeno" has the shape of a helmet, 3D printed. The goal is to contain swelling, reduce edema and optimize brain homeostasis. The design of this device combines: neurosurgery, neurotechnology, direct drug delivery into the brain, and modern knowledge of biomedical engineering and computer science. The aim is to provide optimal and precise control of the conditions in which the patient’s brain is involved, giving the possibility to intervene in any area/zone.

METHODS: The normal intracranial physiological process can be altered as a result of severe traumatic brain injury, resulting in refractory intracranial hypertension, decreased cerebral perfusion pressure, and cerebral blood flow disorders. Starting from the main notions of neurophysiology and the mechanisms of cerebral plasticity I imagined and designed this helmet for cerebral herniation that has the shape of a lattice, articulated in horizontal and vertical lines and, like a kind of fishing net, “traps” and protects the brain, without sending it into fatigue.

RESULTS: “Galeno” theoretically monitors and contains swelling, reduces inflammation, detects changes in the parameters of ICP (cerebral intracranial pressure), blood pressure, brain metabolism, etc. All this is made possible thanks to the physicalmechanical specialties of the materials with which the helmet is made. The combination of materials makes it possible to create a medical device that can mimic the physiological environment of neural tissue without damaging nerve structures. Through the sensors, placed in the interface between the device and the brain parenchyma, there is continuous monitoring of the parameters of cerebral perfusion pressure, temperature, cerebral blood flow, partial pressure of O2, etc. "Galeno" can (theoretically) monitor the electrographic and biochemical function of the brain and provide a mechanism to intervene directly through the use of drugs (nanoparticles).