A Lung Tumour Localization Device for Minimally Invasive Surgery Using Kinesthetic, Tactile, and Ultrasound Information

In 2009, an estimated 23,400 Canadians will be diagnosed with lung cancer and 20,500 will die of it. Once diagnosed, the treatment of choice is surgical resection of the tumour using Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS), in which two major problems exist: locating the tumour and an impaired ability to feel the tissue under examination. This project aims to develop a minimally invasive tumour localization device that can be used to palpate tissue and accurately distinguish between soft healthy tissue and tumours that are relatively stiffer. Multiple sensors will be used to assess tissue characteristics. The data from these sensors will be processed to display intuitive information about the palpated tissue. By restoring the surgeon’s ability to palpate tissue during MIS, it is expected that operating time will be reduced and the accuracy and effectiveness of tumour detection will be increased, as compared to current approaches.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Michael D. Naish

Student:

Tomasz P. Kurowski

Partner:

London Health Sciences Centre

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Life sciences

University:

Western University