Current Trends in Neuromonitoring – Looking Beyond the EEG

Mr Philip Lewis
Neuroscientist, Department of Neurosurgery,
The Alfred Hospital

Time: 19 March 2013, 18:00 AEDT (Refreshments from 17:30)

Venue: Engineering House, 21 Bedford St, North Melbourne, VIC 3051

Abstract

Since its first recording by Hans Berger in the early 20th century, the electroencephalogram (EEG) has cemented its place as a vital tool in the diagnostic armamentarium of scientists and clinicians studying the human brain. Medical and technological advance since then has highlighted the need to look beyond the relatively complex EEG and probe a little further.

Dynamic monitoring of cerebral blood flow, pressure, tissue oxygenation and metabolic status is now possible, driven by continued research into the clinical significance of their derangement. Measurement of these parameters is provided by a growing array of technologies that are finding or have found roles in the clinical setting, in some cases providing significant improvements in patient management and outcomes.

This presentation will focus on a few of the key technologies in this field, and the clinical imperative for their ongoing development.

Biography

Philip Lewis is a neuroscientist and sometime biomedical engineer who has been wedded to the Alfred Hospital since the late 1990s. After completing a degree in Medical Biophysics at Swinburne in 1995, Phil happily found himself working under John Southwell and Leon Alexander in the Alfred’s biomedical engineering department. With John and Leon’s guidance, a passion for biomedical engineering was fostered that remains to this day, despite his having left the field for more clinical pastures.

Phil has occupied himself in the 11 years since leaving biomed with learning neurovascular sonography and (almost) completing a PhD in neuromonitoring. Phil’s goals are to continue researching novel neuromonitoring technologies and their clinical applications, hopefully resulting in the improved management of neurological dysfunction and a spinout company or two. We can only dream.