New inductive proximity sensor platform for precise localization of small colorectal tumors

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Surgical Technology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Intraoperative localization of small gastric or colorectal tumors during laparoscopic surgery presents challenges due to imprecise methods.
• A need exists for a compatible and straightforward tool to aid surgeons in precise tumor localization during procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and evaluate a novel inductive proximity switch architecture for precise intraoperative localization of bowel tumors during laparoscopic surgery.
• To develop an electromagnetic detection probe and metallic markers suitable for laparoscopic use and sterilization.

Main Methods:

• Designed and constructed an electromagnetic detection probe optimized for laparoscopic surgery.
• Utilized various metallic markers (haemostatic clips, custom tags) attached to gastrointestinal mucosa for detection.
• Conducted experiments in dry-lab and wet-lab environments using ex-vivo animal and human surgical specimens.

Main Results:

• Detection range varied by metallic tag composition, from 0.5 mm (hemostatic clip) to 3.5 mm (custom stainless-steel tags).
• Custom tags were detectable through the serosal side of human colonic specimens in 85% of attempts under specific conditions (area < 150 cm², fat < 2 mm).

Conclusions:

• The newly designed system demonstrates potential for discovering metallic tags on bowel mucosa for precise intraoperative laparoscopic localization of digestive tumors.
• Further research is ongoing to enhance system sensitivity and detection range for clinical compatibility.