Division of Neurosurgery

Department of Surgery

Research

Innovative research for the best patient care

Neurosurgery is an internationally recognized leader in spinal cord circuitry and response to trauma research, injury prevention and technology-based innovations in neurosurgical education. These research programs attract millions of dollars for research and neurosurgical infrastructure. Our basic science laboratories provide research training to neurosurgical residents, postdoctoral fellows, as well as graduate and undergraduate students.

We believe that research and innovation ultimately lead to better patient care. Our faculty are deeply committed to this principle and are actively engaged in research in various programs and labs:

Atlantic Mobility Action Project

The Atlantic Mobility Action Project —or the Mobility Project—aims to restore mobility and important functional abilities primarily to people whose nervous systems have been damaged by injury or disease. Spinal cord injury, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), stroke, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis are just some of the neurological conditions that can make it difficult or impossible to walk or use your hands.

CNS Injury – Dr. Sean Christie’s laboratory

Based at the Brain Repair Centre in the LSRI, CNS Injury – Dr. Sean Christie’s laboratory aims to expand on our understanding of CNS injury, from both cellular and genetic perspectives. This year marks a continuation of exciting partnership projects with local private industry, and the development of modernized protocols for whole tissue imaging of spine and brain tissue. Our lab has also secured Department of Surgery seed funding for our collaborative model of spinal cord injury. We are part of the Atlantic Mobility Project.

Brain Tumour – Dr. Adrienne Weeks’ laboratory

Neuromodulation Program - Dr. Lutz Weise

Our Neuromodulation Program focuses on enhancing the quality of life for individuals diagnosed with movement disorders, complex pain syndromes, epilepsy, and spasticity. Our team is committed to advancing patient care through several ongoing research projects. These include studies on the impact of electrophysiological and imaging guidance in Deep Brain Stimulation and exploring spinal cord stimulation for post-thoracic surgery pain. We are also investigating the role of brain activity recordings over DBS electrodes in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Further research aims to explore minimally invasive surgical techniques for electrode placement and participation in clinical registries.

Neuromodulation Program - Dr. Lutz Weise

Our Neuromodulation Program focuses on enhancing the quality of life for individuals diagnosed with movement disorders, complex pain syndromes, epilepsy, and spasticity. Our team is committed to advancing patient care through several ongoing research projects. These include studies on the impact of electrophysiological and imaging guidance in Deep Brain Stimulation and exploring spinal cord stimulation for post-thoracic surgery pain. We are also investigating the role of brain activity recordings over DBS electrodes in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Further research aims to explore minimally invasive surgical techniques for electrode placement and participation in clinical registries.

Neuromodulation Program - Dr. Lutz Weise

Our Neuromodulation Program focuses on enhancing the quality of life for individuals diagnosed with movement disorders, complex pain syndromes, epilepsy, and spasticity. Our team is committed to advancing patient care through several ongoing research projects. These include studies on the impact of electrophysiological and imaging guidance in Deep Brain Stimulation and exploring spinal cord stimulation for post-thoracic surgery pain. We are also investigating the role of brain activity recordings over DBS electrodes in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Further research aims to explore minimally invasive surgical techniques for electrode placement and participation in clinical registries.