A New Device Will Allow Russian Surgeons to Clearly See Tumors
A breakthrough infrared-based device developed by researchers at Moscow State University and the National Medical Research Center for Endocrinology helps surgeons precisely identify the boundaries of pituitary adenomas during surgery, reducing risks and improving patient safety
Russian scientists have created a device that can significantly simplify surgeries to remove benign brain tumors. The Thyrochrome instrument, developed by specialists from Moscow State University and the National Medical Research Center for Endocrinology, was presented at the Congress of Young Scientists and has already garnered interest among experts.
Its purpose is to help surgeons precisely identify the boundaries of a pituitary adenoma during an operation. This reduces the risk of damaging healthy tissue and increases the overall safety of the procedure.
Infrared Light to Identify Healthy Tissue
The device operates in the infrared range: tumor tissue and healthy cells respond differently to infrared radiation. The fluorescence intensity of adenoma tissue is significantly lower, and the device detects this difference, giving the surgeon an audible signal. This method allows pathological tissue to be distinguished from healthy tissue instantly, even under complex surgical conditions.
The developers emphasize that the device provides a quantitative assessment of the optical response, ensuring stable diagnostics and highly repeatable results.
Built on Proven Experience
The technology has already been used in Russia. In particular, it proved effective during thyroid surgeries, allowing surgeons to detect parathyroid glands in time and prevent their accidental removal. This is crucial for maintaining calcium regulation and avoiding postoperative complications.
The project is currently undergoing the registration process required for medical devices. Once approved, the device can be produced serially. The emergence of such compact and precise tools will accelerate the adoption of photonic and laser technologies in medicine, where diagnostic accuracy directly impacts treatment quality.
