A portable device for cancer margin assessment using a pH sensitive optical fibre probe

Abstract

We report the development of an optical fibre probe which could find use as an aid for margin detection during surgery. A fluorophore doped polymer is coated on an optical fibre tip, allowing for pH values of unknown tissue to be measured and compared to healthy tissue, to discriminate between healthy and cancerous tissue. This probe is integrated within a portable system, requiring no alignment or access to specialised vibration damped optical tables. A miniature spectrometer allows for measurements to be performed on-site, opening up the potential for use of these probes within the operating theatre for in-vivo measurements.