Australian scientists have developed a “smart” needle with a camera that allows you to perform a brain biopsy using a safer method.

A team led by the University of Adelaide (Australia) reports that the new tool will revolutionize surgery and be able to prevent hundreds of life-threatening complications. During a brain biopsy, tumor tissue is collected for analysis. A needle that is as thick as human hair allows surgeons to avoid puncturing blood vessels, which can cause a life-threatening brain hemorrhage. Then the fiber-optic camera, which is located inside the needle, emits infrared light, and the computer system determines the location of the blood vessels, which helps the surgeon to avoid them.

The needle was successfully tested in a study involving 11 patients. The results showed that the needle is able to identify the vessels of the brain with an accuracy of 98%. It is noted that this is the first use of such a probe in the human brain during surgery. The developers are hoping for a widespread device over the next five years.

naukatv.ru