Brain surgeons use lasers to diagnose unhealthy tissue

SURGEONS in London have used a new laser technique to diagnose abnormal tissue during an operation to remove a brain tumour.

The procedure, carried out for the first time in Europe, meant doctors could work out how much tissue to remove, by measuring the light reflected from it. Experts hope the new technique could help the accuracy of some of the most delicate types of surgery.

A near-infrared laser probe is used to point the beam of light on to the exposed brain, causing the molecules in the cells to vibrate. Fibre optics collect the scattered light that reflects from the tissue, using a device which measures the frequency of vibrations.

As a result, doctors are able to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy tissue, in a procedure that takes just a couple of seconds, and is non-invasive.

The probe means surgeons are told whether to remove tissue or spare it.

At present, they rely on biopsies sent for analysis during the operation. These can take up to 40 minutes each.

Neurosurgeon Babar Vaqas, the trial chief investigator, told the BBC: “Optical technologies like this are the future. They are fast and don’t destroy any tissue and could be used during many types of cancer surgery or when dealing with infection like a brain abscess.”

The patient, Reuben Hill, 22, is making a good recovery after the operation at Charing Cross Hospital, part of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.

The PHD student, who works with the same laser technology as part of his studies at Imperial College London, is a member of a choir, and was concerned that surgery could affect his speech and singing ability. Halfway through the operation, he was woken and asked to sing and talk, so surgeons could ensure his speech was not affected.

The operation was a success, though Mr Hill will need to be monitored regularly in the coming years.

The trial aims to recruit between 30 and 40 patients with brain tumours.