Abstract text Cranial implants are essential tools in neurophysiological studies involving non-human primates (NHPs). However, their application requires major surgery under prolonged anesthesia, with a notable risk of inaccurate positioning of the implant. This study aims to describe advanced techniques to improve cranial implant procedures for two macaques ( M a c a c a f a s c i c u l a r i s) involved in neurophysiological research in the Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Visuomotor System at University of Bologna. Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) were conducted under intravenous anesthesia to identify surgical landmarks and guide the fixation of implants. Using the CT data, 3D-printed models of the skulls were created for procedural planning, allowing for precise preparation of surgical instruments and materials before in vivo application. During surgeries, animals were kept under intravenous anesthesia combined with local-anesthetic blocks of the scalp, and vital parameters were continuously monitored. Intraoperatively, a markerless neuronavigation system (CORTEXPLORE SCI; cortEXplore GmbH, Linz, Austria) provided real-time visualization of the virtual models of the brain, the skull, and the implants to be placed, ensuring accurate positioning of the implants. The described techniques allowed the preparation of customized implants tailored to each subject’s anatomy, improving surgical efficiency and achieving precise targeting of areas of interest with an error < 0.3 mm. These advancements represent a significant refinement in neurosurgical techniques for NHP research, promoting animal welfare while enhancing the precision and reliability of scientific outcomes. References Johnston JM, Cohen YE, Shirley H, et al. Recent refinements to cranial implants for rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). L a b A n i m (NY). 2016;45(5):180-186. Pinosky ML, Fishman RL, Reeves ST, et al. The effect of bupivacaine skull block on the hemodynamic response to craniotomy. A n e s t h A n a l g. 1996;83(6):1256-1261. Romagnoli N, Buonacucina A, Lambertini C, et al. Constant-Rate Infusion of Dexmedetomidine to
Lambertini, C., De Vitis, M., Buonacucina, A., Gamberini, M., Vaccari, F.e., Diomedi, S., et al. (2025). Refinements for cranial implant application in Macaca fascicularis.
Refinements for cranial implant application in Macaca fascicularis
Lambertini Carlotta
;De Vitis Marina;Buonacucina Alessandra;Gamberini Michela;Vaccari FE;Diomedi S;Filippini Matteo;Chatzidimitrakis K;Fattori Patrizia;Romagnoli Noemi
2025
Abstract
Abstract text Cranial implants are essential tools in neurophysiological studies involving non-human primates (NHPs). However, their application requires major surgery under prolonged anesthesia, with a notable risk of inaccurate positioning of the implant. This study aims to describe advanced techniques to improve cranial implant procedures for two macaques ( M a c a c a f a s c i c u l a r i s) involved in neurophysiological research in the Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Visuomotor System at University of Bologna. Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) were conducted under intravenous anesthesia to identify surgical landmarks and guide the fixation of implants. Using the CT data, 3D-printed models of the skulls were created for procedural planning, allowing for precise preparation of surgical instruments and materials before in vivo application. During surgeries, animals were kept under intravenous anesthesia combined with local-anesthetic blocks of the scalp, and vital parameters were continuously monitored. Intraoperatively, a markerless neuronavigation system (CORTEXPLORE SCI; cortEXplore GmbH, Linz, Austria) provided real-time visualization of the virtual models of the brain, the skull, and the implants to be placed, ensuring accurate positioning of the implants. The described techniques allowed the preparation of customized implants tailored to each subject’s anatomy, improving surgical efficiency and achieving precise targeting of areas of interest with an error < 0.3 mm. These advancements represent a significant refinement in neurosurgical techniques for NHP research, promoting animal welfare while enhancing the precision and reliability of scientific outcomes. References Johnston JM, Cohen YE, Shirley H, et al. Recent refinements to cranial implants for rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). L a b A n i m (NY). 2016;45(5):180-186. Pinosky ML, Fishman RL, Reeves ST, et al. The effect of bupivacaine skull block on the hemodynamic response to craniotomy. A n e s t h A n a l g. 1996;83(6):1256-1261. Romagnoli N, Buonacucina A, Lambertini C, et al. Constant-Rate Infusion of Dexmedetomidine toI documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
