Intraoperative optical characterization of brain tumor tissues

The goal of neurosurgery are two folds, 1) to achieve maximal resection of the target lesions, but simultaneously 2) minimize damage to adjacent healthy brain tissues. Currently surgeons rely on preoperative images such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging to define tumor boundaries. However, the accuracy of such images decreases intraoperatively due to brain shift. For these reasons, surgeons tend to be conservative during tumor resection resulting in residual brain tumors being left behind and thereby increasing the risk of tumor relapse. In this study, we will investigate Raman Spectroscopy (RS) and Polarization Sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography (PSOCT) as novel intraoperative brain imaging tools. Both RS and PSOCT are label-free, rapid, and nondestructive modalities. RS images the chemical make-up of tissues while PSOCT images the structure of tissues. We will investigate whether RS can consistently distinguish tumor from non-tumor tissues and whether PSOCT can visualize structured nerve fibers in situ.

Faculty Supervisor:

Taufik Valiante

Student:

Partner:

Synaptive Medical Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Toronto

Program: