MR MIKE HART

MIKE HART

Neurosurgeon Functional Academic Consultant

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About Me

Hello, my name is Mike Hart. I am a consultant neurosurgeon with a specialist interest in treating pain, movement disorders, and epilepsy.

My aim is to provide a full repertoire of treatments to help best manage symptoms & facilitate faster recovery. To do this I pursue not just standard neurosurgical treatments but also the latest neuro devices and minimally invasive technologies.

Together, I help empower people to make personal treatment decisions, then deliver them in a timely and compassionate manner.

Name:Mike Hart
Address:New Victoria Hospital, London, UK
Study:Cambridge, Vancouver, London
Degree:PhD FRCSEd
Mail:info@mrmikehart.com
Phone:0203 815 7975

Neurosurgery

General Neurosurgery
Spinal Neurosurgery
Functional Neurosurgery
Deep Brain Stimulation
Spinal Cord Stimulation
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
Vagal Nerve Stimulation

Academic Interests

Ultra-high field 7 Tesla MRI
Connectomics
Tractography
Machine Learning
Clinical trials
Digital Technology
Neuro devices

Education

2006

University of Edinburgh
Medical degree
2014-2017

University of Cambridge
PhD
2009-2020

Cambridge
Neurosurgery training

Fellowships

2017

Awake brain mapping
Prof Hugus Duffau, Montpellier
2020

Functional Neurosurgery
Prof Chris Honey, University of British Columbia
2021

Neuromodulation
St George's, University of London

Memberships

Testimonials

"...kind & considerate, I was so well informed of all that was going on"

Happy patient #1
Lumbar discectomy
"...thank you for giving me the opportunity to see what a difference DBS has made to my life"

Happy patient #2
DBS

Conditions

Cervical Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal with cord compression due to degenerative disease
Cervical Disc Disease
Detail
Here the aim is to decompress the spinal cord and exiting nerve roots. Options including going from the front to remove the disc and either replace or fuse the disc space. Alternatively we can go from the back to open up the foramen (or canal) that the nerve travels in.
Lumbar Stenosis
Narrowing of the lumbar spinal canal from mixed degenerative disease including facet arthritis & hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum
Lumbar Disc Disease
Detail
Here the aim is to decompress the spinal nerve roots, known as the cauda equina (so called because they look like a horse's tail). This involves removing a degree of bone, ligament, and facet joint depending on the individual nature of the condition.

Insurance Approved

Functional Neurosurgery

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
Parkinson's, Dystonia, Tremor
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) aims to modulate or alter pathways in the brain to relieve symptoms of movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, dystonia, and tremor. To do this, a device is surgically implanted. It comprises two leads that go into the brain, a battery, and connecting wires (known as extensions). The battery delivers electrical current through the leads into precisely targeted areas deep in the brain. Thus, pathways in the brain are altered to re-balance symptoms. Before surgery a detailed assessment process is performed to determine who will benefit and to what extent.
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Persistent spinal pain / neuropathic pain / FBSS / CRPS
Here, electrical therapy is used to alter ("dampen down") pathways involved in the transmission of pain in the spinal cord. To do this, a device is surgically implanted. This comprises leads that go near to the lining around the spinal cord, and a battery. The aim is to improve pain control and maximise quality of life in a minimally-invasive manner without the risk of permanent changes to the spine. Not all types of pain are suitable for treatment with SCS, therefore an assessment process is performed, which typically includes a trial of SCS through temporary leads.

Blog The Spinal Cord Stimulator: A Light at the End of the Tunnel for Chronic Pain

Neuromodulation

Academic

If you are interested in this, see my academic website: www.mrmikehart.com/academia

As well as a functional neurosurgeon, I am a senior lecturer, and academia occupies a significant part of my practice.

Maximising benefit and minimising harm in functional neurosurgery are the overarching background themes to my academic pursuits.

I leverage cutting-edge neuroimaging methods (ultra-high field 7T MRI, connectomics) to understand both disease mechanisms (thalamic sensori-motor dysintegration) and novel treatment targets (tractography-based stimulation).

Translating technological advances to improved patient care is effected through judicious industry collaborations.

My work leverages consultancy agreements for cell delivery in movement disorders and epilepsy, leading trials on novel electrode design, and app development for surgical planning (NetSym®) and accuracy appraisal (neuroXact).

Overall, my aim is to provide a wide-ranging clinical and academic practice in functional neurosurgery that allows patients to benefit from the latest clinical advances, research discoveries, and technological innovations.

For further information, see my academic website: www.mrmikehart.com/academia

Imaging:7T / Connectomics / Tractography
Analytics:Big Data / Machine Learning / AI
Digital:App Design & Coding
Devices:Trials / Regulatory / Closed-Loop
Website:www.mrmikehart.com/academia
Academic Foundation Programme
Apply:www.oriel.nhs.uk
Prospectus:AFP Neurosurgery

Academic Clinical Fellow
Apply:www.oriel.nhs.uk
Prospectus:ACF Neurosurgery

neuroXact

Our latest tech start-up is neuroXact. We provide post-operative appraisal of DBS lead accuracy, targeting, and potential effects of stimulation. For further information, see the neuroXact website

Objective:Independent & without bias
Quantified:Sub-milimeteric anatomical evaluation
Trusted:authentic & assured
Website:www.neuroxact.com

Medicolegal Work

I perform work as an expert witness with Eopinex. My aim is to provide specialist information in a clear and timely manner in order to produce the highest standard of court-compliant reports. I actively participate in regular formal training from certified providers to keep up to date, as per guidance from the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (2019). Reports are usually generated in 4 weeks. Please see my medicolegal CV and terms of referencefor further details.

Training:Bond Solon
Website:Eopinex
Contact:info@eopinex.com
CV:Mike Hart medicolegal CV
Profile:Expert Witness Profile
Terms:Medicolegal Terms of Reference

Areas of Expertise

General neurosurgery including traumatic brain injury, infection, hydrocephalus).
Spinal neurosurgery including back pain, sciatica, lumbar disc disease, lumbar stenosis, whiplash, neck pain, cervical disc disease, cervical myelopathy.
Functional neurosurgery; movement disorders; Parkinson's disease; tremor; dystonia; pain; spinal cord stimulation; epilepsy; vagal nerve stimulation; spasticity; intrathecal drug delivery; peripheral nerve stimulation.

Privacy Notice

Strict adherence is paid to the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018.
Personal information is only used for the purposes requested at the time of instruction. I am a registered data controller for these purposes with the Information Commissioner. Data is typically obtained from medical records, other reports and statements provided by the instructing solicitors, and directly from patients and/or those caring for them. Consent to hold personal data from patients I am assessing in this context is confirmed at first assessment, and considered continuing unless otherwise advised.
Electronic notes and copies of final reports are stored and protected including with 256-bit AES encryption. Files are retained for up to 7 years in case of matters arising, and for tax purposes as evidence of work undertaken. Any material retained beyond that for professional development purposes have personal identifiable details redacted.

Consultancy

I have previously worked as an expert consultant for a variety of companies ranging from small tech start-ups to major industry partners. Advice can range from patient pathways, treatment strategies, and operative procedures. For 2024 onwards I have paused all consultancy work while a member of the MHRA IDWG.

Trials:RCT Design, Approval, Statistics
MRI:Sequences, Analysis, 7T
Biomarkers:Neuroimaging, Clinical, LFP
Devices:Approval, Trials, MRI conditionality

Current Committees

Functional Committee of the European Association of Neurological Societies (EANS);
Research & Development lead of the British Society of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgeons (BSSFN);
Member of the Interim Devices Working Group (IDWG) of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA);
Member of the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) of the Epilepsy Institute.

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