Suturectomy

In normal infants, the major pieces of the cranial bones are not fused together in order to allow the brain to develop in size as the child grows. However, in craniosynostosis, these cranial sutures fuse prematurely, resulting in abnormal head shape and restricted growth of the underlying brain. While in most cases the brain functions properly, the child experiences significantly decreased HRQOL due to the elongated head shape (scaphocephaly). Sagittal craniosynostosis occurs in approximately 1/1000 infants and the case incidence is about 1~2 cases per month at JHH. Traditionally, invasive surgical techniques were used, whereby the entire portion of the head above the sutures is cut open. Recently, there has been a shift towards a minimally invasive approach, which requires only 1 or 2 incisions and an endoscope. However, the current piezoelectric craniotomy device is not optimal for the minimally invasive technique. The procedure can potentially be done faster (1hr —> 20min) and safer (preventing tearing of dura mater underneath the skull) with the development of a more suitable device.