Optical fiber spectroscopy
Optical fibers can deliver light to remote sites within the body. White light is delivered by one fiber and light transmitted/reflected from the tissue is collected by a 2nd fiber and routed to a spectrometer. The spectrum, R(λ) is analyzed to specify the blood content and oxygen saturation of the tissue.
We are inserting an optical fiber probe through a trocar into the abdominal cavity during laparoscopic esophageal cancer surgery. The probe monitors the blood perfusion throughout the procedure and can give warning if the perfusion is held too low for too long, as blood vessels are tied off during the construction of a gastric conduit to replace the esophagus.
