Tissue modification with feedback: the smart scalpel

Elizabeth L. Sebern; Colin J. H. Brenan; R. Rox Anderson M.D.; Ian Warwick Hunter

doi:10.1117/12.325744

5 October 1998 Tissue modification with feedback: the smart scalpel

Elizabeth L. Sebern, Colin J. H. Brenan, R. Rox Anderson M.D., Ian Warwick Hunter

Proceedings Volume 3519, Microrobotics and Micromanipulation; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.325744
Event: Photonics East (ISAM, VVDC, IEMB), 1998, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

While feedback control is widespread throughout many engineering fields, there are almost no examples of surgical instruments that utilize a real-time detection and intervention strategy. This concept of closed loop feedback can be applied to the development of autonomous or semi- autonomous minimally invasive robotic surgical systems for efficient excision or modification of diseased tissue. Spatially localized regions of the tissue are first probed to distinguish pathological from healthy tissue based on differences in histochemical and morphological properties. Energy is directed to only the diseased tissue, minimizing collateral damage by leaving the adjacent healthy tissue intact. Continuous monitoring determines treatment effectiveness and, if needed, enables real-time treatment modifications to produce optimal therapeutic outcomes. The present embodiment of this general concept is a microsurgical instrument we call the Smart Scalpel, designed to treat skin angiodysplasias such as port wine stains. Other potential Smart Scalpel applications include psoriasis treatment and early skin cancer detection and intervention.

Citation Download Citation

Elizabeth L. Sebern, Colin J. H. Brenan, R. Rox Anderson M.D., and Ian Warwick Hunter "Tissue modification with feedback: the smart scalpel", Proc. SPIE 3519, Microrobotics and Micromanipulation, (5 October 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.325744

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