SCH: Overcoming the Intraoperative Data Desert: Biophotonics, Advanced Sensing, and Control for Automated Surgery

Duke University, Durham NC

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

The overarching goal of this project is to conduct the foundational research needed to demonstrate a closed-loop surgical control system that facilitates accurate, rapid, and automated detection and laser resection of pathologic tissue with a focus on soft tissue sarcomas. Such a system requires advancements in both detection and removal of STS, achieved through advances in intraoperative imaging and control oflaser scalpels, respectively. This system will increase both the speed and precision at which surgery is performed, thereby improving patient outcomes while reducing costs and minimizing the devastating impacts of preventable morbidity. The imaging and image processing technique developed in this work will overcome the intraoperative data desert of current practice for both human surgeons and robotics systems.