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Optical Surgical Navigation for Precision in Tumor Resections
Stefan Harmsen1, Nutte Teraphongphom2, Michael F Tweedle3
1Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
Abstract:
Optical imaging methods have significant potential as effective intraoperative tools to visualize tissues, cells, and biochemical events aimed at objective assessment of the tumor margin and guiding the surgeon to adequately resect the tumor while sparing critical tissues. The wide variety of approaches to guide resection, the range of parameters that they detect, and the interdisciplinary nature involving biology, chemistry, engineering, and medicine suggested that there was a need for an organization that could review, discuss, refine, and help prioritize methods to optimize patient care and pharmaceutical and instrument development. To address these issues, the World Molecular Imaging Society created the Optical Surgical Navigation (OSN) interest group to bring together scientists, engineers, and surgeons to develop the field to benefit patients. Here, we provide an overview of approaches currently under clinical investigation for optical surgical navigation and offer our perspective on upcoming strategies.
Insights
Optical surgical navigation (OSN) uses advanced imaging to precisely assess tumor margins during surgery, improving patient care. This field requires interdisciplinary collaboration to optimize surgical techniques and develop new technologies.
Area of Science:
- Medical imaging
- Surgical oncology
- Biomedical engineering
Background:
- Optical imaging offers potential for intraoperative visualization of tissues and biochemical events.
- Accurate tumor margin assessment and critical tissue sparing are crucial in surgical resections.
- The interdisciplinary nature of optical surgical navigation necessitates a collaborative approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and discuss optical surgical navigation methods for optimizing patient care.
- To help prioritize development of pharmaceuticals and instruments in this field.
- To provide an overview of current clinical investigations and future strategies in optical surgical navigation.
Main Methods:
- Overview of optical imaging approaches under clinical investigation.
- Discussion of parameters detected by various optical methods.
- Synthesis of perspectives on upcoming strategies in optical surgical navigation.
Main Results:
- Identification of diverse optical imaging techniques for surgical guidance.
- Highlighting the need for standardization and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Presentation of current clinical applications and future research directions.
Conclusions:
- Optical surgical navigation is a rapidly evolving field with significant potential to improve surgical outcomes.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration through groups like the Optical Surgical Navigation (OSN) interest group is vital for progress.
- Continued research and development are essential to realize the full benefits of optical surgical navigation in patient care.
