Focus Areas

The Device Development and Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory invests in numerous clinical trials in support of several areas of research.

• Brain machine interface. Dr. Van Gompel's lab has led the country in developing novel approaches for stimulation, including posterior approach anterior nucleus deep brain stimulation and chronic subthreshold stimulation for epilepsy. The lab also has focused on the hardware and biomarkers associated with stimulation of the brain. This research has prompted the development of companies such as Cadence Neuroscience Inc. and NeuroOne.
• Minimally invasive cortical surgery. The lab has closed its trial with a U.S. Food and Drug Food and Drug Administration investigational device exemption for a device adding in access for minimally invasive cortical surgery assisted with a flexible endoscope. Dr. Van Gompel and his colleagues continue to pursue human and animal studies to develop this surgical technique.
• Pituitary outcome research. The lab has focused on novel imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance elastography, to understand tumor consistency. In addition, ongoing work with dynamic CT angiography and other imaging devices focuses on improving outcomes for patients with magnetic resonance negative pituitary microadenomas. Dr. Van Gompel's group also follows continued analyses of patient series to better understand pituitary tumor surgery. Due to the high volume of pituitary tumor surgery at Mayo Clinic and people with unique syndromes, much can still be learned.
• Skull base tumor research. Mayo Clinic experiences many referrals of skull base meningiomas, esthesioneuroblastomas and chordomas. These cases allow us to continue contributing important research in these tumor fields that impacts patient outcomes.
• Education. The lab also is interested in novel simulation, 3D printing and education techniques to assist the next generation of leaders and surgeons.