Diagnosis and treatment of deep-seated brain lesions with laser optic fibers and absorbent/fluorescent dyes

Helen A. Ward

doi:10.1117/12.260597

10 December 1996 Diagnosis and treatment of deep-seated brain lesions with laser optic fibers and absorbent/fluorescent dyes

Helen A. Ward

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 2836, Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Fiber Sensors VIII; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.260597
Event: SPIE's 1996 International Symposium on Optical Science, Engineering, and Instrumentation, 1996, Denver, CO, United States

Abstract

The five year survival rate after stereotactic removal of deep-seated malignant brain tumors is virtually 100% mortality. Specific problems in treatment include: (1) Lesions often present late and are of large size. (2) Position -- lesion overlies vital structures. So surgical/radiotherapy lesion destruction can damage vital brainstem functions. (3) Difficulty in differentiating normal brain from malignant lesions due to poor deep visibility and similarity of brain tissues. This study aimed to use the unique properties of the laser: (1) to minimize damage during surgical removal of deep-seated brain lesions by operating via fine optic fibers; and (2) to employ the propensity of certain lasers for absorption of (nontoxic) dyes and induction of fluorescence in particular brain substances for more complete tumor removal. The results of the technique, developed here, were found to minimize thermal damage and to accurately differentiate tumor from surrounding normal brain.

Citation Download Citation

Helen A. Ward "Diagnosis and treatment of deep-seated brain lesions with laser optic fibers and absorbent/fluorescent dyes", Proc. SPIE 2836, Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Fiber Sensors VIII, (10 December 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.260597

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