Mission
The Université Laval Neurosurgical Innovation Laboratory (ULNIL) is a scientific University laboratory. It brings together a research team dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of brain tumors, mainly those affecting the base of the skull. These tumors at the interface between the brain, nerves and vessels are among the most complex to treat and represent a major clinical challenge. ULNIL's research approach is at the intersection of several scientific fields including neurosurgery, biomedical engineering, biomaterials and medical imaging.
Research axes
ULNIL's work revolves around three main research axes: a clinical research axis, a biomaterials/bioengineering research axis and a cadaveric model research axis.
Clinical axis
The clinical research axis includes projects of a prospective and retrospective nature directly involving patients with pathologies of the base of the skull and the clinical data emanating from their care.
Cadaveric research axis
The cadaveric model research axis uses the surgical laboratory to conduct anatomical and translational research projects on embalmed cadaveric specimens. With the surgical equipment available, it is possible to reproduce real operating conditions as faithfully as possible and to explore new surgical avenues and new methods of reconstruction.
Biomaterials/Bioengineering axis
The biomaterials/bioengineering axis explores the innovative use of biomedical engineering technologies in the treatment of pathologies of the base of the skull.