ENGS 89/90 Reports

Degree Program

B.E.

Year of Graduation

2020

Project Advisor

Geoffrey Luke

Instructor

Douglas Van Citters and Solomon Diamond

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

2020

Abstract

Surgeries may cost lives if performed inadequately, which is why tools such as fluorescence guided surgery exist to improve surgical outcomes. Fluorescence guided surgery (FGS) is the practice of injecting patients with a fluorescent molecule that, in combination with highly sensitive cameras, allows surgeons to clearly identify complex biological structures. While beneficial in procedures such as endoscopy and gallbladder surgery, this technique is most notable for its role in complex cancer surgeries where misidentifying the boundaries of a tumor can have deadly consequences. Although FGS has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment, highly sensitive imaging systems are necessary to identify low fluorescent molecule concentrations. Existing imaging systems can be used to view specific concentrations of fluorophores, but fail to detect a wide range of fluorescence levels that can occur inside the body. Additionally, many systems cannot function at all in an environment with full surgical lighting. Therefore, current fluorescence guided surgery imaging systems have insufficient dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio to accurately identify surgical margins.

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Restricted: Campus/Dartmouth Community Only Access

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