Design and characterization of a laser-based instrument with spectroscopic feedback control for treatment of vascular lesions: the "Smart Scalpel".
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.
Sebern
E L
EL
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cambridge 02139, USA.
Brenan
C J
CJ
Hunter
I W
IW
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*