An Intelligent Theranostics Method Using Optical Coherence Tomography Guided Automatic Laser Ablation for...

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Technology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Neurosurgery faces challenges from surgeon tremor and imprecise intraoperative tumor boundary identification, leading to high disability and fatality rates.
• Existing methods lack the precision and integration needed for automated, accurate tumor excision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an intelligent theranostics method for precise, automated brain tumor excision.
• To integrate spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) with a high-power laser for in situ diagnosis and therapy.

Main Methods:

• A compact platform combining SD-OCT and a high-power laser via a customized fiber combiner was developed.
• A double-clad fiber served dual roles for OCT imaging and laser ablation, enabling registration-free in situ theranostics.
• SD-OCT image analysis generated an ablation-guiding grid for automated, submillimeter laser ablation of ex vivo porcine brain models.

Main Results:

• The integrated system successfully performed automated, high-precision tumor ablation guided by SD-OCT imaging.
• Analysis of attenuation maps and pathological contrast confirmed the feasibility and accuracy of the theranostics method.
• The system demonstrated effective in situ diagnosis and therapeutic ablation without the need for image registration.

Conclusions:

• The proposed intelligent theranostics method offers a significant advancement in neurosurgical precision and safety.
• This integrated approach has the potential to reduce complications and improve patient outcomes in brain tumor surgery.
• The developed platform provides a foundation for future automated and image-guided neurosurgical interventions.