title: Design and characterization of a laser-based instrument with spectroscopic feedback control for treatment of vascular lesions: the "Smart Scalpel".
abstract: To improve the effectiveness of microsurgical techniques, we are developing a semi-autonomous robotic surgical tool (called the "Smart Scalpel") as an alternate approach to treatment of vascular lesions. The device employs optical reflectance spectroscopy as part of a line scan imaging system to identify and selectively target blood vessels in a vascular lesion for thermal treatment with a focused laser beam. Our proof-of-concept reported here presents the design and construction of a prototype instrument, initial quantification of imaging system resolution and contrast, and preliminary verification of the imaging and targeting strategies with standard targets and live dermal tissue.
authors.affiliation: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cambridge 02139, USA.
authors.forename: E L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Sebern
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Brenan
authors.forename: I W
authors.initials: IW
authors.lastname: Hunter
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D004867:Equipment Design; D007834:Lasers; D051379:Mice; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods*; D016343:Monitoring, Intraoperative / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013057:Spectrum Analysis / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013684:Telangiectasis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*