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Soft Robots with Cy5: An "Intake and Work" Imaging Technique for Intraoperative Navigation of Gastric Lesion
1Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China.
Abstract:
Locating tumors during laparoscopic surgery for early gastric cancers poses an important challenge because they lack involvement with the serosal layer and remain invisible within the peritoneal cavity. To address this issue, various techniques such as preoperative dye injection and magnetic clip detection systems have been introduced to aid in intraoperative tumor localization. However, these existing techniques are often intricate and lack intuition and endurance. In this study, we propose a novel approach utilizing fluorescent soft robots to accurately locate tumors within the stomach. The methodology involved placing a metal clip at the tumor site, followed by administering several soft robots labeled with Cy5. These soft robots were designed to autonomously converge around the metal clip. To validate their efficacy, we conducted animal experiments by implanting clips into the stomachs of rats and subsequently administering capsules containing the soft robots. By detecting the resulting fluorescence, we successfully identified the location of the clips within the stomach. Our findings indicate that these soft robots hold great promise as a viable alternative for localizing gastric lesions during laparoscopic surgery, which has better persistence and intuitiveness than other markup methods. Their implementation could significantly enhance the accuracy and efficiency of tumor identification in a technologically advanced and clinically accessible manner.
Insights
Novel fluorescent soft robots offer a more intuitive and persistent solution for locating early gastric tumors during laparoscopic surgery. These robots autonomously converge on a metal clip marking the tumor site, improving surgical accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Accurate intraoperative tumor localization is critical for early gastric cancer surgery.
- Existing methods like dye injection and magnetic clips have limitations in intuition and endurance.
- Tumors lacking serosal involvement are difficult to detect during laparoscopy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel approach using fluorescent soft robots for gastric tumor localization.
- To create a more intuitive and persistent method for identifying lesions during laparoscopic procedures.
- To enhance the accuracy and efficiency of tumor detection in gastric cancer surgery.
Main Methods:
- A metal clip was placed at the tumor site in animal models (rats).
- Fluorescent soft robots labeled with Cy5 were administered orally in capsules.
- The soft robots were designed to autonomously navigate and converge around the metal clip.
- Tumor location was identified by detecting the fluorescence signal from the converged robots.
Main Results:
- Successful identification of metal clip locations within the rat stomach using fluorescent soft robots.
- Demonstrated autonomous convergence of soft robots around the implanted metal clips.
- The fluorescent soft robot method showed greater persistence and intuitiveness compared to existing techniques.
Conclusions:
- Fluorescent soft robots present a promising, viable alternative for localizing gastric lesions during laparoscopic surgery.
- This novel approach offers enhanced accuracy and efficiency for tumor identification.
- The technology is clinically accessible and represents a significant advancement in surgical navigation.
