Smart scalpel technology ‘can improve targeting of brain surgery’

Researchers have developed a new type of smart scalpel technology that could facilitate the treatment of brain cancer.

The tool features a spherical tip and a diameter smaller than one millimetre, with its integrated sensors allowing surgeons to determine with ease whether a specific area of tissue is healthy or tumorous by wiping the surface.

Neurosurgeons will be notified about the status of the tissue using non-distracting visual or auditory displays, with results obtained in less than half a second. This will help reduce the reliance on microscopic observation or tissue manipulation tools.

It is thought that the sensor technology could be miniaturised and adapted to detect tumours in other areas of the body, such as the stomach or intestine, or utilised in surgical procedures performed by robotic assistants.

The researchers noted: "Although imaging techniques such as an MRI and an ultrasound locate a tumour accurately before surgery, during the cranial opening and throughout the surgical procedure there are many factors that can lead to the loss of this position."