Brain Tumor Resection in a Mouse Using a Minimally Invasive Resection System
JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments
Neuroscience
0 views • 3:58 min • August 7th, 2025
Secure an anesthetized mouse bearing an implanted tumor onto a stereotactic frame.
Remove the staples from the previous surgery, disinfect the skin, and incise along the previous wound to expose the skull.
Locate the burr hole from the previous surgery to access the brain.
Position the minimally invasive resection system, or MIRS, over the burr hole.
The system consists of a cannula with a rotating window that uses suction to draw the targeted tissue and a cylindrical blade at the aperture to excise the tissue.
Insert the cannula into the target region and initiate resection.
The suction pulls small tumor sections through the window, while the blade excises the tissue.
The rotating window allows controlled resection via continuous suction and cutting.
The excised fragments travel through a sterile tubing to the sample collection chamber.
Withdraw the cannula, close the wound, and allow the mouse to recover.
Begin the experiment by assessing the mouse for sedation by pinching the toe. Apply ophthalmic ointment to the eyes to avoid dryness of the cornea. Then, place the mouse on a stereotactic frame. Remove the staple from the previous surgery and disinfect the skin with alternating cycles of a chlorhexidine or betadine-based scrub and alcohol. Then create a 1 centimeter longitudinal midline incision along the previous surgical scar using a sterile scalpel. Attach the MIRS handpiece to the stereotactic arm through the stage adapter.
To set up the MIRS machine, insert the power cord set on the rear panel into the power cord receptacle. Turn the power to the system on or off by toggling between 0 and 1. Insert one end of the nitrogen hose into the male fitting on the rear panel of the console. Rotate the connection nut clockwise to tighten it. Ensure that the supply pressure does not exceed 100 PSIG, and attach the hose to the nitrogen supply.
Seal the lid of the vacuum port to avoid any leakage. Check the aspiration knob on the front of the console is set at 100, but there is no leakage in the aspiration system and that the nitrogen input supply pressure is correct. Insert the gray foot pedal connector into its gray receptacle until it clicks. In the same way, insert the blue handpiece connector into its blue receptacle. Prime each handpiece by aspirating sterile fluid into the aperture through the tubing and handpiece, and then into the canister to ensure that the inside of the tubing and handpiece are lubricated.
Select the mode for aspiration on the console front panel and initiate using the foot pedal. Insert the 23G MIRS cannula into the borehole to a depth of 2.5 millimeters. Initiate the resection process by pressing the foot pedal connected to the cannula. Perform full cycles of resection using the control knob in the handpiece. After the resection process, withdraw the 23 gauge MIRS cannula and add 5 milliliters of 1x PBS to flush the tubing and dislodge any residual debris. Then close the wound with a stapler and remove the mouse from the stereotactic frame. Return the mouse to the heating pad to recover from anesthesia before placing it back into its cage.
Overview
This protocol demonstrates a method for brain tumor resection in a mouse model using a minimally invasive resection system (MIRS). The technique allows for targeted tissue removal while minimizing damage to surrounding structures, which is crucial for advancing neurosurgical practices.
Key Study Components
Area of Science
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Background
- Brain tumors are a significant health concern in both humans and animal models.
- Minimally invasive techniques aim to reduce recovery time and complications.
- Existing methods may involve larger incisions and increased trauma.
- The MIRS offers a novel approach to tumor resection.
Purpose of Study
- To demonstrate the use of MIRS for effective tumor resection.
- To provide a detailed protocol for researchers interested in similar procedures.
- To enhance understanding of surgical techniques in animal models.
Methods Used
- Secure the mouse in a stereotactic frame.
- Utilize a cannula with a rotating window for tissue suction and excision.
- Perform a longitudinal incision to access the tumor site.
- Initiate resection using controlled suction and cutting mechanisms.
Main Results
- This protocol demonstrates the setup and execution of tumor resection.
- Controlled resection is achieved through the MIRS technology.
- Excised tissue is collected for further analysis.
- Post-operative care is outlined for the recovery of the mouse.
Conclusions
- The MIRS provides a viable option for brain tumor resection in mice.
- This method may lead to improved outcomes in preclinical studies.
- Further research can explore the efficacy and safety of this technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
Executive Industry Relevance
This protocol enables high-viability tumor tissue collection from preclinical models, supporting downstream molecular and histopathological analysis critical for target validation and biomarker discovery. By minimizing surgical trauma, it improves animal welfare and data consistency, reducing variability in phenotypic screening and translational biomarker studies. The method enhances predictive confidence in early discovery by providing reliable access to disease-relevant tissue for mechanistic de-risking.
Strategic Applications in Biopharma R&D
Early Discovery & Target Validation
- Scientific Value: Enables interrogation of therapeutic hypotheses through collection of viable tumor tissue for molecular profiling and pathway analysis.
- Operational Value: Supports biological de-risking by providing consistent, high-quality specimens for functional target validation assays.
Screening & Assay Development
- Scientific Value: Prepares validated biological systems for downstream workflows by supplying intact tumor explants suitable for ex vivo drug sensitivity testing.
- Operational Value: Addresses assay standardization and reproducibility through controlled resection yielding uniform tissue fragments for comparative compound evaluation.
Translational & Preclinical Research
- Scientific Value: Discusses disease relevance and translational biomarker alignment by enabling collection of tumor tissue for biomarker quantification and target engagement studies.
- Operational Value: Describes continuity from discovery through preclinical validation by supplying tissue for pharmacodynamic and toxicity profiling.
Pipeline & Workflow Integration
The method integrates into the discovery continuum from early hypothesis testing to preclinical validation, supporting lead identification through reliable tissue supply for mechanistic and phenotypic assays.
- Discovery Biology: Explains how the method supports hypothesis testing, pathway clarification, or biological de-risking by enabling molecular analysis of resected tumor tissue.
- Screening: Describes assay readiness, reproducibility, or quantitative outputs when supported by the article through standardized tissue collection for ex vivo screening platforms.
- Analytics: Highlights measurements, readouts, or statistical outputs that help teams compare conditions via histopathological and molecular analysis of collected specimens.
- Translational Research: Connects the method to preclinical continuity or biomarker alignment only when the source supports it by enabling biomarker analysis in resected tissue.
- Enterprise Reuse: Frames the method as a reusable capability rather than a single-use technique through its applicability across multiple tumor models and study designs.
Operational & Enterprise Impact
- Scientific Value: Predictive confidence, target validation, reduction of mechanistic ambiguity.
- Operational Value: Standardization, reproducibility, and scalability.
- Strategic Value: Better go/no-go decisions, capital efficiency, and reduced late-stage biological risk.
- Portfolio Impact: Risk-adjusted prioritization and advancement decisions.
Implementation Considerations
- Required scientific expertise in neurosurgical techniques and stereotactic instrumentation.
- Instrumentation and analytical infrastructure needs including stereotactic frame, MIRS console, nitrogen supply, and vacuum system.
- Cross-team standardization requirements for surgical preparation, resection parameters, and tissue handling protocols.
- Adaptation considerations across model systems including different tumor types, strains, and implantation sites.
- Practical limitations supported by source material including dependence on prior burr hole placement and potential for tissue fragmentation affecting downstream analysis.
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Last updated: 22 August 2026