Surgical fluorescent probes used for tumor detection

Abstract

An optical sensor system for detecting tissue types during a surgical procedure is described, the optical sensor system comprising: an excitation source configured to selectively emit excitation light, a probe comprising at least one fiber coupled to the excitation source and configured to illuminate a target tissue with the excitation light and collect light from the target tissue, a compliant member coupled to the at least one fiber, the compliant member being at least partially translucent and configured to deform in response to engagement of a surgical instrument, and an indicator element configured to emit light in response to receiving an indicator signal, an optical detection module coupled to the at least one fiber and configured to generate a signal based on the collected light, and a controller configured to determine a tissue characteristic based on the signal and generate the indicator signal based on the determined tissue characteristic. 1. An optical sensor system for detecting tissue type during a surgical procedure, the optical sensor system comprising: a probe comprising a compliant member with electrodes configured to deform in response to engagement of a surgical instrument, and an indicator element disposed at least partially within the compliant member and configured to emit light in response to receiving an indicator signal; a detection module coupled to at least one fiber and configured to generate a signal based on the signals; and a controller operatively connected to the optical detection module and configured to determine a tissue characteristic based on the signals and generate the indicator signal based on the determined tissue characteristic.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Glioma tumors can occur in the glial cells of the brain or spine. In many cases, a surgical procedure, more specifically tumor resection, is performed to remove the tumor. The goal of the surgical procedure for tumor resection is to achieve a gross total resection (GTR). A very malignant form of glioma is glioblastoma. In patients with glioblastoma, it has been shown that GTR can extend the patient's lifespan by about 40% (e.g., from 10 months to 14 months). In patients with mild glioma, GTR increases the overall survival rate.

[0002] In many cases, 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is administered to the patient several hours before surgery. 5-ALA is a compound that occurs naturally in the hemoglobin synthesis pathway. In cancer cells, hemoglobin synthesis is inhibited and the pathway stalls at an intermediate compound called protoporphyrin IX (PPIX). During surgery, medical staff can illuminate areas of brain tissue with excitation light (i.e., blue light) from a surgical microscope. The surgery may be performed in a dark or dimly lit operating room environment. Severely tumorous cells containing PPIX absorb the excitation light and emit red fluorescence with specific optical properties. This fluorescence can be seen by medical staff using a surgical microscope.

[0003] Once the target tissue is identified, the medical staff switches the surgical microscope back to standard white light illumination and continues with the resection of the target tissue. Throughout the surgical procedure, the medical staff alternates between illuminating the tissue with white light and illuminating the tissue with excitation light to ensure that the appropriate target tissue is securely resected until the tumor resection is complete. Each time the target area is illuminated with excitation light from the surgical microscope, the PPIX present in the tumor site can degrade due to photobleaching by the intense excitation light.

[0004] Fluorescence-guided surgery increases the likelihood of GTR in severe tumors, such as glioblastoma. Currently, GTR in mild tumors is relatively low because tumor cells emit only low levels of fluorescence, and even with a surgical microscope, the human eye is not sensitive enough to detect such low levels of fluorescence, making it impossible to use 5-ALA to improve the outcome of mild tumor resection. Improved systems are needed for fluorescence-guided surgery to enhance the likelihood of achieving GTR.

[0005] The background art provided herein is generally intended to present the context of this disclosure. The inventors' considerations, to the extent described in this background art section, are not expressly or implicitly recognized as prior art to this disclosure, similar to any aspect of description that may not qualify as prior art at the time of filing. [Overview of the project]

[0006] In one feature, an optical sensor system for detecting tissue type during a surgical procedure is described. The optical sensor system comprises an excitation source, a probe, an optical detection module, and a controller. The excitation source is configured to selectively emit excitation light. The probe comprises at least one fiber coupled to the excitation source and configured to illuminate a target tissue with excitation light and to collect light from the target tissue. The probe also comprises a compliance member coupled to at least one fiber, the compliance member being at least partially translucent and configured to deform in response to engagement with a surgical instrument. A portion of at least one fiber is located inside the compliance member. The probe also comprises an indicator element located at least partially inside the compliance member and configured to emit light in response to the reception of an indicator signal. The optical detection module is coupled to at least one fiber and configured to generate a signal based on the collected light. The controller is operationally connected to the optical detection module and configured to determine tissue characteristics based on the signal and to generate an indicator signal based on the determined tissue characteristics.

[0007] In one feature, an optical sensor system for detecting tissue type during a surgical procedure is described. The optical sensor system comprises an excitation source, a probe, an optical detection module, and a controller. The excitation source is configured to selectively emit excitation light. The probe comprises at least one fiber coupled to the excitation source and configured to illuminate a target tissue with the excitation light and to collect light from the target tissue. The probe also comprises a sensor body coupled to the distal end of at least one fiber. The probe also comprises a tab configured to be operated by a surgical instrument. The tab is coupled to at least one fiber proximal to the sensor body. The probe also comprises an indicator configured to provide a display in response to the reception of an indicator signal. The optical detection module is coupled to at least one fiber and configured to generate a signal based on the collected light. The controller is operatively connected to the optical detection module and configured to determine tissue characteristics based on the signal and to generate an indicator signal based on the determined tissue characteristics.

[0008] In one feature, an attachment for an optical probe is described. The optical probe comprises at least one fiber, an indicator element, and a sensor. At least one fiber is configured to illuminate a target tissue with excitation light and to collect fluorescence from the target tissue. The indicator element is configured to emit indicator light. The sensor body includes a compliant material that is at least partially translucent to allow at least one of the excitation light, fluorescence, and indicator light to pass through. The compliant material is electrically insulating and thermally insulating and is formed from a material configured to deform in response to engagement with a surgical instrument.

[0009] One feature describes a method for detecting light emitted from brain tissue using an optical sensor system. The optical sensor system comprises an excitation source, a probe, and an optical detection module. The probe comprises at least one fiber coupled to the excitation source. The probe further comprises a deformable compliance member coupled to at least one fiber. The compliance member is at least partially translucent. The probe further comprises an indicator element positioned at least partially within the compliance member. The optical detection module is coupled to at least one fiber and a controller operatively connected to the optical detection module. The method includes positioning an aspiration tool such that a projection is near the lumen of the aspiration tool. The method further includes applying suction by the aspiration tool such that the projection is positioned within the lumen of the aspiration tool. The method further includes moving the compliance member to a desired position by the aspiration tool. The method further includes modifying the suction of the aspiration tool such that the suction releases the compliance member. The method further includes emitting excitation light by the excitation source. The method further includes illuminating brain tissue with the excitation light using at least one fiber. The method further includes collecting fluorescence from brain tissue using at least one fiber. The method further includes generating a signal based on the collected fluorescence using an optical detection module. The method further includes determining tissue features based on the signal using a controller. The method further includes generating an indicator signal based on the determined tissue features using a controller. The method further includes emitting light by an indicator element in response to the reception of the indicator signal.

[0010] One feature describes a method for detecting light emitted from brain tissue using an optical sensor system. The optical sensor system comprises an excitation source, a probe, and an optical detection module. The probe comprises at least one fiber coupled to the excitation source. The probe further comprises a deformable compliance member coupled to at least one fiber. The compliance member is at least partially translucent. The probe further comprises an indicator element positioned at least partially within the compliance member. The optical detection module is coupled to at least one fiber and a controller operatively connected to the optical detection module. The method includes engaging the compliance member with a surgical instrument so that at least a portion of the compliance member is deformable. The method also includes moving the compliance member to a desired position with a surgical instrument. The method also includes emitting excitation light with the excitation source. The method also includes illuminating the brain tissue with the excitation light using at least one fiber. The method also includes collecting fluorescence from the brain tissue using at least one fiber. The method also includes generating a signal based on the collected fluorescence using the optical detection module. The method also includes determining tissue features based on the signal using the controller. This method also includes generating an indicator signal based on established tissue characteristics using a controller. This method also includes emitting light through an indicator element in response to the reception of the indicator signal.

[0011] In one feature, an optical sensor system for detecting tissue type during a surgical procedure is described. The optical sensor system comprises an excitation source, a probe, an optical detection module, and a controller. The excitation source is configured to selectively emit excitation light. The probe comprises at least one fiber coupled to the excitation source and configured to illuminate a target tissue with the excitation light and to collect light from the target tissue. The probe also comprises a compliance member coupled to at least one fiber and at least partially translucent. The compliance member is configured to deform in response to engagement with a surgical instrument. A portion of at least one fiber is located inside the compliance member. The probe also comprises an indicator configured to provide a display in response to the reception of an indicator signal. The optical detection module is coupled to at least one fiber and configured to generate a signal based on the collected light. The controller is operationally connected to the optical detection module and configured to determine tissue characteristics based on the signal and to generate an indicator signal based on the determined tissue characteristics.

[0012] Further areas of applicability of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0013] This disclosure will be better understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This figure shows the neurosurgical system relating to the teachings of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a functional block diagram of the neurosurgical system related to the teachings in this disclosure. [Figure 3] This figure shows an ultrasonic surgical system for neurosurgical systems related to the teachings of this disclosure. [Figure 4]This figure shows a tissue detection system for a neurosurgical system related to the teachings of this disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a functional block diagram of the tissue detection system for the neurosurgical system related to the teachings of this disclosure. [Figure 6A] This figure shows the optical module of the tissue detection system relating to the teachings of this disclosure. [Figure 6B] This figure shows the optical module of the tissue detection system relating to the teachings of this disclosure. [Figure 7A] This is an exploded view of some components of the optical module of the tissue detection system relating to the teachings of this disclosure. [Figure 7B] This is an exploded view of some components of the optical module of the tissue detection system relating to the teachings of this disclosure. [Figure 8] This figure shows a sample probe for a tissue detection system equipped with a carrier relating to the teachings of this disclosure. [Figure 9] This figure shows a sample probe for a tissue detection system equipped with a clip related to the teachings of this disclosure. [Figure 10] This figure shows a sample probe for a tissue detection system, which is equipped with a protrusion related to the teaching of this disclosure. [Figure 11] This figure shows a sample probe for a tissue detection system equipped with an anchor related to the teachings of this disclosure. [Figure 12] This figure shows a sample probe for a tissue detection system, comprising a compliance member having multiple ridges as taught in this disclosure. [Figure 13] This figure shows a sample probe for a tissue detection system, which is equipped with a compliance member having a protrusion as taught in this disclosure. [Figure 14] This figure shows a sample probe for a tissue detection system, which includes a cylindrical compliance member as taught in this disclosure. [Figure 15] This figure shows a sample probe for a tissue detection system, which includes a cone-shaped compliance member as taught in this disclosure. [Figure 16]A diagram showing a sample probe of a tissue detection system comprising a compliance member having a rectangular shape according to the teachings of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] A diagram showing a sample probe of a tissue detection system comprising a compliance member having a reversible C-shaped configuration according to the teachings of the present disclosure. [Figure 18A] A diagram showing a sample probe of a tissue detection system having a reversible C-shaped configuration shown at a deployment location according to the teachings of the present disclosure. [Figure 18B] A diagram showing a sample probe of a tissue detection system having a reversible C-shaped configuration shown at a focusing location according to the teachings of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] A diagram showing a cross-sectional area of a sample probe of a tissue detection system according to the teachings of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] A diagram showing a sample probe of a tissue detection system comprising a compliance member in an illuminated state according to the teachings of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] A diagram showing a sample probe of a tissue detection system where a portion of the sample probe is in an illuminated state according to the teachings of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] A diagram showing a sample probe of a tissue detection system comprising a coaxial fiber according to the teachings of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] A diagram showing a sample probe of a tissue detection system with which an ultrasonic handpiece assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure is engaged. [Figure 24] A diagram showing a sample probe of a tissue detection system with which a suction tool according to the teachings of the present disclosure is engaged. [Figure 25] A diagram showing a sample probe of a tissue detection system with which bipolar forceps according to the teachings of the present disclosure are engaged. [Figure 26] A diagram showing a sample probe of a tissue detection system defining a lumen. [Figure 27A] A diagram showing a sample probe of a tissue detection system comprising one or more electrodes for applying a stimulus and / or receiving an electrical signal from the brain. [Figure 27B] This figure shows a sample probe for a tissue detection system, which comprises one or more electrodes that provide stimulation and / or receive electrical signals from the brain. [Figure 28] This figure shows a sample probe for a tissue detection system, which includes a connector that allows the probe to be disconnected from a compliance member at the surgical site, and a compliance member that is imaged by a scanner. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] In drawings, reference numerals may be reused to identify similar and / or identical elements.

[0016] The inventors have recognized the need for a neurosurgical tumor resection system and / or method capable of detecting low levels of fluorescence under white light operating conditions (i.e., without requiring a dark or dimly lit operating room) during the tumor resection process. A system is also needed that can reduce the time the target area is illuminated by excitation light to minimize the effects of photobleaching. Furthermore, since surgical microscopes cannot adequately illuminate deep cavities with excitation light, a system capable of illuminating deep cavities with excitation light is needed. Additionally, since the detection of undifferentiated lesions is essential for precise histopathological diagnosis and optimal patient treatment, a system is needed to support the intraoperative detection of important undifferentiated lesions in tumors.

[0017] While this disclosure specifically discusses a surgical procedure for the resection of target tissue of a brain tumor, involving the administration of 5-ALA to visualize the fluorescence of PPIX, the teachings of this disclosure can be extended to other types of surgical procedures for detecting other types of tissue and other types of fluorescent materials (such as hypericin, Hexvix, and idocyanine green). For example, ICG can be administered to help healthcare professionals visualize blood vessels during a surgical procedure. ICG can bind to plasma proteins found in the blood. ICG is excited by near-infrared light and emits near-infrared light with a wavelength slightly longer than the near-infrared light that excited the ICG.

[0018] Referring to Figure 1, a neurosurgical system 100 is provided that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art. The neurosurgical system 100 may comprise a surgical navigation system 104, a surgical microscope 108, and a surgical cart 114. The surgical navigation system 104 comprises a cart assembly 106 housing a navigation computer 110. The navigation computer 110 may also be referred to as a navigation controller. A navigation interface communicates operationally with the navigation computer 110. The navigation interface may comprise one or more input devices, which can be used to input information to the navigation computer 110 or otherwise select / control certain aspects of the navigation computer 110. The navigation interface comprises one or more displays 120. Such input devices may include interactive touchscreen displays / menus, keyboards, mice, microphones (voice-activated), gesture control devices, etc.

[0019] The navigation computer 110 can be configured to store one or more preoperative or intraoperative images of the brain. Any suitable imaging device can be used to provide preoperative or intraoperative images of the brain. Examples include any 2D, 3D, or 4D imaging device such as isocentric fluoroscopy, biplane fluoroscopy, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), multislice computed tomography (MSCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Images can also be acquired and displayed in two, three, or four dimensions. In a more advanced form, a four-dimensional surface rendering region of the body can also be obtained by incorporating patient data or other data from an atlas or anatomical model map, or from preoperative image data captured by MRI, CT, or echocardiography modalities.

[0020] The navigation computer 110 can generate one or more images of the brain on the display 120. The navigation computer 110 can also be connected to a surgical microscope 108. For example, the display 120 can show an image corresponding to the field of view of the surgical microscope 108. If the navigation computer 110 can include two or more displays, one of such displays can show the field of view of the surgical microscope 108, and the other can show a preoperative or intraoperative image of the brain.

[0021] The tracking system 124 is coupled to the navigation computer 110 and configured to detect the position of one or more tracking elements attached to surgical instruments or the patient. The tracking system 124 can be configured to track active or passive infrared tracking elements attached to surgical instruments or the patient. An example of a surgical navigation system 104 that can be used is the Nav3i®, commercially available from Stryker. The surgical navigation system 104 may have various functions and features as described in U.S. Patent No. 7,725,162 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0100849. The above documents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0022] The surgical microscope 108 comprises one or more objective lenses configured to provide a range of magnification (e.g., about 2x to about 50x). The surgical microscope 108 may have a field of view having a predetermined range of regions. The surgical microscope 108 is configured for fluorescence microscopy, for example, to detect PPIX. The surgical microscope 108 may include one or more excitation sources (e.g., excitation sources configured to emit light in the visible light spectrum, or excitation sources configured to emit light in the infrared spectrum) that illuminate brain tissue 111 with excitation light so that PPIX fluoresces. The surgical microscope 108 may also include a camera capable of detecting emission at fluorescence wavelengths of PPIX or ICG.

[0023] The surgical cart 114 may comprise a surgical system 112, a tissue detection system 116, and an ultrasonic surgical system 118. The display 121 is coupled to the surgical cart and is operationally connected to the surgical system 112, the tissue detection system 116, and the ultrasonic surgical system 118, and can display relevant information for each of the systems 112, 116, and 118. A healthcare professional can use the ultrasonic surgical system 118 and / or the surgical system 112 to ablate target tissue in the patient's brain. The ultrasonic surgical system 118 may comprise an ultrasonic control console 128 and an ultrasonic handpiece assembly 130.

[0024] The surgical system 112 may comprise surgical instruments and a surgical control console 115 for controlling various aspects of the surgical instruments. Medical professionals may also use the surgical instruments to perform any surgical procedure on tissue. Examples include tissue ablation, suction of fluid or debris from tissue, tissue cauterization, or a combination thereof. In one example, the surgical system 112 may correspond to a suction system, in which case the surgical instruments correspond to a suction tool 156 for removing fluid and / or debris from the surgical site. The suction system may have various features, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 8,267,934. The above-mentioned references are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0025] In another example, the surgical system 112 may include a bipolar forceps 160 as a surgical instrument. The bipolar forceps 160 may have features as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,361,070. The above-mentioned document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. While this disclosure discusses and exemplifies that the surgical instrument may include a suction tool 156 and a bipolar forceps 160, the surgical system 112 and the surgical instrument may include other instruments. In another example, the surgical instrument may include a nerve stimulator, a dissection instrument, or an ablation device (e.g., an RF ablation device and / or a laser ablation device). Any number of surgical systems and any number of surgical instruments may be used by a healthcare professional when performing a surgical procedure.

[0026] The tissue detection system 116 may include a control console 168 and a sample probe 164. The control console 168 can provide a real-time display to healthcare professionals when brain tissue 111 corresponds to target tissue. The tissue detection system 116 determines whether brain tissue 111 corresponds to target tissue based on the fluorescence emitted by the target tissue, which is produced by a phosphor. In one example, the phosphor may be PPIX. In another example, the phosphor may be ICG. Based on the intensity and wavelength of the fluorescence emitted by PPIX, the tissue detection system 116 can determine the presence of target tissue.

[0027] Referring to Figure 2, a schematic diagram of the neurosurgical system 100 is shown. The tissue detection system 116 can perform similar functions to the surgical microscope 108 (i.e., enabling medical professionals to detect the presence of PPIX), but when used in conjunction with the surgical microscope 108, it can improve the outcome of tumor resection procedures and the likelihood of achieving GTR.

[0028] During the surgical procedure, the medical professional can first visualize the patient's brain tissue 111 under excitation light (e.g., blue light) using a surgical microscope 108 to identify which portion of the brain tissue 111 corresponds to the target tissue indicated by red fluorescence. The medical professional can then switch the surgical microscope 108 back to standard white light illumination to obtain better visibility for initiating the excision of the target tissue.

[0029] Before the start of the excision, the medical professional can position the sample probe 164, particularly the compliance member 272 of the sample probe 164, on the target tissue. The medical professional can excise the target tissue using the ultrasound handpiece assembly 130 with one hand and the bipolar forceps 160 with the other hand. During the excision procedure, the medical professional can move the compliance member 272 using the bipolar forceps 160 or the ultrasound handpiece assembly 130. The sample probe 164 is designed to readily engage with several different surgical instruments, including, but not limited to, the bipolar forceps 160, the ultrasound handpiece assembly 130, and the suction tool 156.

[0030] When a medical professional excises target tissue, the control console 168 can function to provide the medical professional with a real-time display of the target tissue within the brain tissue 111 via the sample probe 164. The tissue detection system 116 as taught in this disclosure eliminates the need for the medical professional to alternate between various illumination settings of the surgical microscope 108 (i.e., tissue illumination with excitation light and tissue illumination with white light) when performing target tissue excision. This is particularly important when the medical professional approaches the periphery of the target tissue, because it is desirable for the medical professional to achieve GTR (Ground Tonification Resection) while leaving as much healthy tissue intact as possible.

[0031] Referring to Figure 3, the ultrasonic handpiece assembly 130 may comprise an ultrasonic handpiece 132 having a proximal end and a distal end. The ultrasonic handpiece assembly 130 may further comprise a sleeve 136 and an ultrasonic tip 140 which can be coupled to the distal end of the ultrasonic handpiece 132. The sleeve 136 may be configured to provide perfusion to the ultrasonic tip 140 and / or the surgical site. It is further conceivable that the sleeve 136 may also be configured to provide suction to the ultrasonic tip 140. The ultrasonic tip 140 may comprise a cutting mechanism configured to ablate, cut, shape, and / or remove biological tissue. The ultrasonic handpiece assembly 130 may have various features as described in U.S. Patents 6,497,715, 6,955,680, and 6,984,220, and International Publication No. 2020 / 068756. The above documents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0032] The ultrasonic handpiece assembly 130 may also include a cable 144 or other power cord, which includes a power connector 148 or adapter configured to connect the ultrasonic handpiece assembly 130 to a power supply unit such as an ultrasonic control console 128 configured to control various aspects of the ultrasonic handpiece assembly 130. The ultrasonic control console 128 may also be configured to control the perfusion and / or suction functions of the ultrasonic handpiece assembly 130 to optimize the performance of the ultrasonic handpiece assembly 130. An example of an ultrasonic surgical system that can be used includes the Sonopet IQ ultrasonic aspirator, commercially available from Stryker. The ultrasonic control console 128 can control various operating parameters based on signals received from the tissue detection system 116.

[0033] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the tissue detection system 116 comprises a sample probe 164 and a control console 168. The sample probe 164 is connected to the control console 168 via a connector 299. The sample probe 164 comprises an indicator fiber 260, an excitation fiber 264, a collection fiber 268, and a compliance member 272. The control console 168 may comprise a controller 204, a user interface 208, a power supply unit 212, an optical module 215, and a microcontroller 220. The optical module 215 may comprise an optical block 216, a spectrometer 224, an excitation source 228, and an optical connector 229. The function of each component will be described in more detail later.

[0034] The user interface 208 may include a display that shows output from a controller 204 or microcontroller 226 that can be integrated into a single device or communicate with each other. The user interface 208 may also include one or more inputs (e.g., push buttons, touch buttons, switches, etc.) configured for engagement by a medical professional. The power supply unit 212 can supply power to various components of the control console 168. The control console 168 may include a probe port 173 to which the connector 299 of the sample probe 164 is connected. Fibers 260, 264, and 268 can also be connected to the optical block 216 via an optical connector 229. The control console 168 may also include an electrical port 174 for establishing a communication link to a surgical system 112, an ultrasonic surgical system 118, or any other system.

[0035] The excitation source 228 can illuminate the target tissue with excitation light via the excitation fiber 264. The excitation source 228 can be configured to emit excitation light (e.g., blue light at approximately 405 nm, or blue light in the range of 400 nm to 500 nm). The excitation source 228 can also be configured to emit excitation light corresponding to other wavelengths, such as wavelengths related to the remaining visible light spectrum other than blue light (e.g., wavelengths above 500 nm but below 700 nm), wavelengths related to the ultraviolet light spectrum (below 400 nm), and / or wavelengths related to the infrared light spectrum (above 700 nm). The excitation source 228 can include any number of light sources, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), pulsed lasers, continuous-wave lasers, modulated lasers, and filtered white light sources.

[0036] The excitation source 228 is capable of operating in different states, the different states including an on state, an off state, a first emission state in which light is emitted at a first frequency, a second emission state in which light is emitted at a second frequency different from the above emission state, a first intensity state in which light is emitted at a first intensity, a second intensity state in which light is emitted at a second intensity different from the first intensity, and at least one of the different color states (i.e., different wavelengths) as described above.

[0037] If the excitation source 228 includes a plurality of excitation sources such as a first excitation source, a second excitation source, and a third excitation source, the first excitation source can be configured to emit first excitation light at a predetermined wavelength in the visible light spectrum, the second excitation source can be configured to emit infrared light in a second wavelength range corresponding to the infrared light spectrum (e.g., 700 nm to 1 mm), and the third excitation source can be configured to emit third excitation light at a predetermined wavelength of visible light different from the first predetermined wavelength. In other words, the first excitation source can be configured to emit light that excites a first phosphor such as PPIX, the second excitation source can be configured to emit visible light at a second predetermined wavelength, for example, representing green light, and the third excitation source can be configured to emit infrared light that excites a second phosphor such as ICG.

[0038] The controller 204 can control the operation of the excitation source 228, for example, to operate the excitation source 228 in one of the states described above. The controller 204 can control the operation of the excitation source 228 by changing the operating parameters of the excitation source 228. The operating parameters can correspond to time settings, power settings, or other preferred settings. The time setting may include pulse width. The pulse width may be based on the integration time of the spectrometer 224. The integration time of the spectrometer 224 will be described in more detail later.

[0039] Referring to Figures 6A and 6B, the optical block 216 is shown. An optical connector 229 can be coupled to the optical block 216. The optical block 216 may include an external casing 274 constructed from metal or another suitable material, which can completely enclose the components 232 of the optical block 216. Figure 7B shows the optical block 216 with the top of the casing removed so that the components 232 of the optical block 216 are visible. The optical block 216 is L-shaped and may include a first portion 280 and a second portion 284. An excitation source 228 can be coupled to the first portion 280 of the optical block 216. A spectrometer 224 can be coupled to the second portion 284 of the optical block 216.

[0040] Referring further to Figures 7A and 7B, exploded views of the components 232 of the optical module 215 are shown, illustrating the optical path 285 of the excitation light and the optical path 287 of the light collected from the brain tissue 111. The first part 280 may include the optical path 285 for the excitation light to travel from one or more excitation sources 228 to the brain tissue 111 via excitation fibers 264. The optical path 285 can be defined by the components 232 in the first part 280 of the optical block. The second part 284 may include the optical path 287 for the collected light to travel from the brain tissue 111 to the spectrometer 224 via collection fibers 268. The optical path 287 can be defined by the components 232 in the second part 284 of the optical block. The components 232 of the optical block may include any optical components such as a laser line filter and one or more long-pass filters. The optical block 216 may include other optical components such as one or more mirrors, lenses, optical connectors, optical fibers, and / or any other suitable optical components.

[0041] In Figure 7A, the excitation source 228 emits excitation light that travels through one or more components 232, such as a laser line filter and / or a long-pass filter. The laser line filter or band-pass filter may be configured to eliminate unwanted noise (e.g., low-level transitions, plasma, and glow) generated by the excitation source 228. In other words, the laser line filter may be configured to clean up the excitation light and make it more monochromatic. The long-pass filter may be configured to reflect the light along the excitation fiber 264 to the brain tissue 111. The excitation source 228 may be configured to deliver unfiltered excitation light to the target tissue via the excitation fiber 264 (i.e., the filter may be omitted). The excitation fiber 264 can guide the excitation light to the brain tissue 111 via the sample probe 164.

[0042] The collection fiber 268 can be configured to collect light (i.e., fluorescence and ambient light) from the brain tissue 111 after the tissue has been excited. Due to the presence of ambient and / or background light generated by various light sources in the operating room, such as a surgical microscope 108, a surgical lamp, or any other device in the operating room, the light collected from the brain tissue 111 may include ambient and / or background light. Referring to Figure 7B, the light collected by the collection fiber passes through components 232, such as a long-pass filter in the second part 284 of the optical block 216. After the light has passed through components 232, it can enter a spectrometer 224 coupled to the optical block 216.

[0043] While examples are provided in which the excitation fiber 264 and the collection fiber 268 are described as separate fibers, a single fiber can be provided and configured to perform the functions of both the excitation fiber 264 and the collection fiber 268. This configuration may require one or more other optical components. Although the excitation fiber 264, collection fiber 268, and indicator fiber 260 are discussed as single fibers for simplicity, it is understood that there may be two or more fibers. For example, the excitation fiber 264 may contain a bundle of excitation fibers, the collection fiber 268 may contain a bundle of collection fibers, and the indicator fiber 260 may contain a bundle of indicator fibers, all connected in a manner similar to the single fiber connection described above. In another example, the excitation fiber 264 may contain any number of fibers connected in series, the collection fiber 268 may contain any number of fibers connected in series, and the indicator fiber 260 may contain any number of fibers connected in series.

[0044] The spectrometer 224 is configured to convert filtered optical signals (i.e., filtered light) into spectral signals in the form of electrical signals. The microcontroller 220 is configured to control the operation of the spectrometer 224. An example of a spectrometer system that can be used is the commercially available Mini Spectrometer Micro Series C12880MA from Hamamatsu Photonics. The spectrometer 224 may comprise an entrance slit, a collimating lens / mirror, a transmission diffraction grating element, a focusing mirror, and an image sensor. The entrance slit can receive light collected from the optical block 216, and the light then passes through the collimating lens / mirror. The collimating lens / mirror collimates the collected light that has passed through the entrance slit and directs it to the diffraction grating element. The diffraction grating element separates the incident light from the collimating lens into different wavelengths and causes each wavelength of light to pass through or reflect at different diffraction angles. The focusing lens or mirror forms an image of the light dispersed by the diffraction grating element onto linearly arranged pixels of the image sensor, according to wavelength.

[0045] Each wavelength is photoelectrically converted into an electrical signal (i.e., a spectral signal). The image sensor outputs a signal of light incident on each pixel at a specific time interval (i.e., the image sensor converts the optical signals into electrical signals and outputs them). This time interval can be called the integral time step. The microcontroller 220 can be configured to control the operation of the spectrometer 224, for example, the integral time step, based on instructions from the controller 204. The microcontroller 220 transmits the spectral signals to the controller 204 via a communication interface (e.g., a serial peripheral interface (SPI)).

[0046] As described above, since ambient light may be present in the optical signal collected in the target tissue, and therefore in the spectral signal provided by the spectrometer 224, the controller 204 can be configured to perform one or more control functions or methods to remove noise (i.e., wavelengths associated with ambient light) from the ambient light or spectral signal and to accurately detect when the brain tissue 111 corresponds to the target tissue as demonstrated by the PPIX present within the target tissue. The spectral signal after the ambient light has been removed may be referred to as the modulated spectral signal.

[0047] The controller 204 can generate an indication signal based on the modulated spectral signal. For example, the controller 204 can compare the PPIX intensity with a predetermined intensity threshold, and in response to the PPIX intensity exceeding the threshold, the controller 204 can generate an indication signal. The excitation source 228 can emit light in response to the reception of the indication signal, and this light travels along the indicator fiber 260 and illuminates a portion of the sample probe 164. For example, the controller 204 can control the excitation source 228 to emit green light (e.g., wavelengths of approximately 520 nm to 564 nm) when a PPIX exceeding the threshold is detected, or yellow light (e.g., wavelengths of 565 nm to 590 nm) when an ICG is detected. Alternatively, as described above, the controller 204 can control indicators other than those coupled to the indicator fiber, for example, by controlling a light source in response to the reception of an indication signal, i.e., by turning on a light source on the probe.

[0048] The controller 204 can communicate with the ultrasonic control console 128 via a communication link established through the electrical port 174. For example, the communication link can be established by plugging a cord into the electrical port and also into the ultrasonic control console 128. The communication link can also be established wirelessly. The controller 204 can notify the ultrasonic control console 128 based on the type of tissue detected. The controller 204 can notify the ultrasonic control console 128 of the presence or absence of target tissue.

[0049] Based on information provided by the controller 204, the ultrasound control console 128 can adjust one or more operating parameters. For example, if target tissue is present, the excision rate may not be limited, but if target tissue is not present, the excision rate may be limited to prevent the ultrasound handpiece assembly 130 from cutting healthy tissue. In such an example, the ultrasound control console 128 can control drive signals such as voltage, current, or both supplied to the ultrasound handpiece assembly 130 based on the presence or absence of target tissue detection. An example is provided in which the controller 204 can communicate with the ultrasound control console 128, but the controller 204 can also communicate with other surgical devices such as the surgical control console 115 to control various surgical instruments (e.g., bipolar forceps 160, nerve stimulators, dissection instruments, ablation devices, etc.) based on the presence or absence of target tissue.

[0050] The detailed description of the sample probe 164 will continue with a comprehensive reference to Figures 8 to 23. The sample probe 164 may comprise fibers 260, 264, and 268, a compliance member 272, a connector 299, and optionally, a jacket 292. The fibers 260, 264, and 268 can be coupled between the connector 299 and the distal end 358 of the sample probe 164. The distal end 358 of the sample probe 164 may comprise a lens or other optical component that allows light to be collected and passed to and from the target tissue. The jacket 292 may surround the fibers 260, 264, and 268 to provide protection and shielding from the surrounding environment. The jacket 292 may be formed from any suitable material, including polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene fluoride, etc. The outer surface of the jacket 292 may be hydrophilic. A portion of the outer surface of the jacket 292 may have small serrations, for example, to increase the grip between the jacket 292 and any surface that comes into contact with it. In some examples, a portion of the optical fiber can be coupled to one of the electrical cables (or multiple cables) or suction lines of a surgical instrument (i.e., bipolar forceps 160, ultrasonic handpiece assembly 130, or suction tool 156), and a second portion of the fiber can be detached from the surgical instrument. This allows the user to position the probe while moving the surgical instrument to perform surgery, such as tissue excision.

[0051] Referring to Figure 8, the carrier can be attached to at least a portion of the jacket 292. The carrier can take on different shapes and be configured to control the shape of the portion of the jacket 292 to which the carrier is attached. The carrier may be a wire 302 or other flexible component including a first attachment portion 304 configured to be attached to a first portion of the jacket 292 and a second attachment portion 306 configured to be attached to a second portion of the jacket 292. The wire 302 can be attached between the first attachment portion 304 and the second attachment portion 306. A healthcare professional may bend the wire 302 or flexible component as desired to fix the shape of the relevant portion of the jacket 292.

[0052] In another example, the carrier may be equipped with a tension adjustment mechanism. The tension adjustment mechanism may be configured to adjust the amount of tension applied to the jacket 292. The tension adjustment member includes a first adjustment member, a second adjustment member, and a flexible cable. The first adjustment member may be coupled to a compliance member and a first portion of the jacket 292. The second adjustment member is coupled to a second portion of the jacket 292. The flexible cable may be connected between the first and second adjustment members. The second adjustment member may be configured to slide along the jacket 292 and to adjust the amount of tension applied to the jacket 292. When the second adjustment member is in the first position, it is closer to the compliance member 272 than when it is in the second position. In the first position, the flexible cable may be in a non-rigid state, and the sample probe 164 may move freely as if there were no tension adjustment mechanism to restrain its movement. When the second adjusting member is in the second position, the flexible cable can be in a rigid state, and the tension in the flexible cable suppresses the movement of the portion of the jacket 292 that is coupled between the first adjusting member and the second adjusting member.

[0053] Referring to Figure 9, the gripping member 310 can be removably coupled to the jacket 292 proximal to the compliance member 272. Thus, the gripping member 310 can be positioned proximal to the compliance member. The gripping member 310 can be implemented as a fastener configured to be attached to a part of the patient to prevent the sample probe 164 from moving from a desired position. The gripping member 310 may include a jacket attachment portion 312 and a patient engagement portion 314. The jacket attachment portion 312 may comprise a tubular sleeve having a tight fit and configured to slide along the jacket 292 when force is applied by a healthcare professional. The patient engagement portion 314 can be attached to the jacket attachment portion 312 or otherwise attached. The patient engagement portion 314 may include a clip or clamp configured to be attached to the patient or an inanimate element near the patient.

[0054] Referring to Figure 10, the gripping member 310' can also be implemented as a tab 316 configured to engage with a surgical instrument. As an alternative to the tab, the compliance member can define a tubular structure having a hole, opening, or cavity with a diameter slightly larger than the lumen of the suction tool 156, allowing the suction tool 156 to pass through. The suction tool 156 engages with the tab 316, guiding the compliance member 272 to hard-to-reach parts of the brain, such as deep, narrow cavities in the brain.

[0055] Alternatively, the compliance member does not have to have a tab or gripping member, and may contain a magnetic material or an iron-based material so that the compliance member can be manipulated using a surgical instrument containing an iron-based metal or a magnetic material, respectively.

[0056] Referring to Figure 11, the anchor 320 can be coupled to the jacket 292 or fiber(s) and made slidable along the length of the jacket 292. A healthcare professional can position the anchor 320 at any position along the length of the jacket 292 to fix the sample probe 164 to a target point. The target point can correspond to a transition point between sterile and non-sterile areas, such as outside the patient or contacting skin or bone, as opposed to brain tissue. The anchor 320 can be cylindrical in shape. Thus, the anchor 320 can have two bottom ends 324, 328 connected by a curved surface 332. The curved surface 332 can be formed having a through bore 336 through which the sample probe 164 is inserted. The anchor 320 can be formed from a metal or another suitable high-density material capable of fixing the sample probe 164 to a specific target point against the weight of the sample probe 164.

[0057] Referring further to Figures 12 to 17, the compliance member 272 can be detachably coupled to the jacket 292 and / or fiber at the distal end of the sample probe 164. In some embodiments, the compliance member 272 is detachable from the sample probe 164, thereby allowing a healthcare professional to reach deep, narrow cavities in the brain that the sample probe 164 cannot reach with the compliance member 272 attached.

[0058] The compliance member 272 is at least partially translucent to visible light and, in some embodiments, can be configured to deform in response to engagement with surgical instruments such as bipolar forceps 160, suction tools 156, or ultrasonic handpiece assemblies 130. The compliance member 272 can be formed from any suitable material that is deformable, electrically insulating, and thermally insulating.

[0059] The material of the compliance member 272 can be selected so that its refractive index matches. In other words, the material of the compliance member 272 can be selected so that the refractive index of the compliance member 272 is within a predetermined threshold of the refractive index of the tissue and / or the refractive index of the fibers 264, 268, and so that the refraction of light passing between the fibers (which may be more than one) 264, 268 and the tissue is minimized. The collecting fiber 268 may have a refractive index in the range of approximately 1.5 to 1.6, the compliance member 272 may have a refractive index of approximately 1.45, and the tissue may have a refractive index that varies between approximately 1.395 and 1.410.

[0060] The material of the compliance member 272 can be selected based on other desired optical properties of the compliance member 272, such as its ability to widely disperse light from the excitation fiber 264 and / or the indication fiber 260 into the surrounding environment. The compliance member can be formed from a polymer. In certain embodiments, the compliance member can be a foam. The compliance member may include bioabsorbable materials such as polyurethane. Bioabsorbability refers to the ability to be completely metabolized by the human or animal body. The compliance member can be formed from materials selected from silicone, polyvinyl chloride, hydrogel, polyurethane, polysaccharides, cellulose, polylactic acid, and combinations thereof. The compliance member may have a Rockwell Shore 00 hardness of 10-50, 10-40, or 10-30, or a Rockwell Shore A hardness of 0-20 or 0-10.

[0061] The compliance member 272 can be spherical in shape. Optionally, along with a spherical configuration, the compliance member 272 may have an opening that allows a portion of the distal end of the sample probe 164 to be exposed to the surrounding environment. The compliance member 272 may have a smooth surface, or it may have one or more features on its outer surface that facilitate engagement of a surgical instrument such as bipolar forceps 160 or a suction tool 156 with the compliance member 272. For example, referring to Figure 12, one or more features may include a plurality of ridges, including a first ridge 344 and a second ridge 346 extending along the outer surface. The bipolar forceps 160 can engage with the compliance member 272 at the first ridge 344 or the second ridge 346 using tines to prevent the compliance member 272 from slipping from the grip of the bipolar forceps 160 or any other surgical instrument.

[0062] Although compliance members are described as compliant in some embodiments of this disclosure, in some embodiments, compliance members may not be compliant or deformable, in which example, compliance members may be referred to as positioning members, which here may include any of the features described above with respect to compliance members, except for the ability to deform in response to engagement of a surgical instrument.

[0063] Referring to Figure 13, one or more features may include a projection 348. The projection 348 may extend along an axis transverse (or at any angle) with respect to at least one of the axes of the collection fiber 268 and / or excitation fiber 264. The projection 348 may be sized to be at least partially positioned within the lumen of the suction tool 156 or the ultrasonic handpiece assembly 130. Thus, suction can be applied by the suction tool 156 when the projection 348 is positioned within the lumen, allowing the medical professional to move the compliance member 272 to the desired location. The projection is optional and does not need to be included in all forms of the probe. The projection may extend from the outer surface of the compliance member and may optionally be integrated with the compliance member. The projection may be included in conjunction with embodiments of the positioning member.

[0064] As shown in the preceding figure, the compliance member 272 is shown to have a spherical shape, but it is understood that the compliance member 272 can take any shape. As shown in Figures 14 to 17, the compliance member 272 can be tubular, as shown in Figure 14; conical, as shown in Figure 15; rectangular or cubic, as shown in Figure 16; or invertable C-shape, as shown in Figure 17. The invertable C-shape allows the distal portion of the compliance member 272 to move relative to the distal end of the sample probe 164, so that the sample probe 164 can illuminate the target area in diffusion mode or focus mode. This is discussed in more detail in the preceding paragraph.

[0065] As shown in Figures 18A and 18B, the compliance member 272 may include a first portion 352, a central portion 354, and a second portion 356. The central portion 354 may have an opening through which the distal end 358 of the sample probe 164 is inserted. In the diffusion position, the first portion 352 and the second portion 356 may extend forward from the distal end 358 of the sample probe 164 so that the sample probe 164 delivers diffused excitation light (i.e., light that spreads in all directions) to the target region. In the diffusion position, at least a portion of the first portion 352 and at least a portion of the second portion 356 may be in contact with each other. In the focusing position, the first portion 352 and the second portion 356 may be folded or flipped over by a healthcare professional so that the central portion 354 of the compliance member 272 is positioned in front of the first portion 352 and the second portion 356, closer to the distal end 358 of the sample probe 164. At the focused position, the distal end 358 of the sample probe 164 is exposed and configured to deliver focused excitation light (i.e., light directed straight out of the sample probe 164 and capable of entering a small target region) to the target region. It should be understood that at the diffused position, the excitation light is more diffused than at the focused position. Similarly, at the focused position, the excitation light is more focused than when it is at the diffused position.

[0066] Referring to Figure 19, a cross-section of one embodiment of the sample probe 164 is shown. As described above, the jacket 292 of the sample probe 164 can surround the fibers 260, 264, and 268 to provide protection and shielding for the fibers 260, 264, and 268 from the surrounding environment. In some examples, the excitation fiber 264 and the collection fiber 268 can be positioned closer to the distal portion of the compliance member 272 or positioning member than the indicator fiber 260. As described above, the compliance member 272 can have an opening in the distal portion that exposes the excitation fiber 264 and the collection fiber 268 to the surrounding environment, thereby allowing the excitation fiber 264 to illuminate a target region with excitation light and the collection fiber 268 to collect light from the target region without light traveling directly through the material forming the compliance member / positioning member. The compliance member 272 may comprise a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere, in which case the excitation fiber 264 and the collection fiber 268 are located within the first hemisphere, and the indicator fiber 260 is located within the second hemisphere.

[0067] As shown in Figure 20, when the tip of the indicator fiber 260 is positioned together with the compliance member 272, light from the indicator fiber 260 can illuminate the compliance member 272, indicating the presence of target tissue. However, in some examples, as shown in Figures 21 and 22, the indicator fiber 260 is not positioned within the compliance member 272 at all. Instead, the indicator fiber 260 can illuminate another portion of the sample probe 164 and may be terminated at its distal end 260T, which is outside the compliance member.

[0068] In such an example, referring to Figure 22, the sample probe 164 can be a coaxial fiber 360 having a central core 362 and an outer channel 366. At least a portion of the sidewall of the outer channel 366 can be transparent. The excitation fiber 264 and collection fiber 268 can be located within the central core 362, while the indicator fiber 260 is located within the outer channel 366. The distal portion of the central core 362 can be located within the compliance member 272. The indicator fiber 260 can emit light through the sidewall of the outer channel 366. The sample probe 164 may have an exposed portion 368, in which the jacket 292 does not cover the entire length of the coaxial fiber 360, so that the light emitted through the sidewall is visible to the medical professional through the exposed portion 368. The exposed portion 368 is located proximal to the compliance member 272, ensuring that the medical professional can see the indicator light emitted when tissue is excised. Optionally, the exposed portion 368 can be covered with a clear or transparent piece of plastic or another suitable material. Thus, the sidewall of the outer channel can be transparent and configured to allow indicator elements such as LEDs to diffuse light into the surrounding area.

[0069] In another example, as described above, the indicator fiber 260 can be omitted entirely. Instead, the sample probe 164 may include a light-emitting diode (LED) that is activated in response to the reception of an activation signal. The LED may be positioned near the compliance member 272 and coupled to the outer surface of the jacket 292 or to another suitable location along the sample probe 164. In another example, other forms of indication may be provided, such as an audible indication produced by a speaker associated with the control console 168, or a tactile indication produced by a tactile device attached to the sample probe 164. In other words, the indicator form may take the form of an indicator element such as a light source, the indicator element does not need to take the form of a fiber, the indicator element does not need to be located within or partially within the compliance member or positioning member, rather the indicator element can be positioned near or distal to the compliance member, and alternatively, the indicator element may appear as an icon or display element on the console.

[0070] Referring to Figures 23 to 25, various surgical instruments that engage with the sample probe 164 are shown. In Figures 23 and 24, either the ultrasonic handpiece assembly 130 or the suction tool 156 directly engages with the compliance member 272, but as described above, the compliance member 272 may have a projection 348 (located inside the lumen and therefore hidden from view) that can be fitted into the lumen of the ultrasonic handpiece assembly 130 or the suction tool 156. Once the ultrasonic handpiece assembly 130 or the suction tool 156 is coupled to the compliance member 272, a medical professional can apply suction to move the compliance member 272 to a desired location. In Figure 24, a bipolar forceps 160 having tines 372, 376 engages with the compliance member 272. As shown, the compliance member 272 has the plurality of ridges 340, 344 described above. The compliance member 272 can be gripped by the bipolar forceps 160 on one or both of the multiple ridges 340, 344.

[0071] A tracking system can be used and coupled to a navigation computer. The tracking system is configured to sense the attitude (i.e., position and orientation) of one or more tracking elements attached to the probe and provide that attitude to the navigation computer. The tracking elements can be active or passive infrared tracking elements. An example of a surgical navigation system 104 including a tracking system is the Nav3i®, commercially available from Stryker. The surgical navigation system 104 can have various functions and features as described in U.S. Patent No. 7,725,162 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0100849. The above documents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0072] Referring to Figure 26, the compliance member or other component 272' defines the lumen 273. This allows the user to position surgical instruments through the lumen 273. In this configuration, the compliance member 272' can be coupled to an optical fiber, as described throughout. The compliance member 272' can take the shape of a donut or a cylinder. An indicator such as an LED can be placed inside the compliance member 272' as described above, or the distal end of an indicator fiber can be placed inside the compliance member 272'. The lumen can be sized to allow a portion of a surgical instrument to pass through and be positioned. The size of the lumen can vary, but its diameter is at least 0.5 cm, or in the range of 0.3 cm to 1.5 cm.

[0073] Referring to Figures 27A and 27B, the positioning member 272'' comprises one or more electrodes 400 positioned on the surface of member 272''. The positioning member may be a compliance member as described throughout, but the optical fiber for optical detection may be optionally omitted. The electrodes 400 can be spaced apart from each other so that they can contact tissue in contact with the surrounding or outer surface of member 272''. The electrodes 400 can be coupled to a detection module that processes the electrical signals received by the electrodes(s) and determines the tissue type, for example, whether the tissue in contact with the electrodes is an important structure. For example, the electrodes can facilitate functional mapping of brain tissue, bioimpedance analysis, or other electrical analysis. The detection module can be coupled to an indicator 404, such as an LED or optical fiber. In an example where the indicator is an LED or other light source, member 272'' may comprise a conductor 406. The indicator 404 can illuminate when target tissue is detected, for example, glowing red when an important tissue type is detected and glowing green when an unimportant tissue type is detected. Exemplary processing techniques and electrode structures can be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,442,653 and 10,918,857 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0027346. The above documents, by reference, constitute an entirety of this specification. Exemplary techniques include brain function mapping, electroencephalography, magnetoencephalography, corticoencephalography, or a combination thereof. The probe may be positioned in a second location that does not contact the above-mentioned area of ​​the brain but is electrically coupled to the brain and monitors brain activity from the above-mentioned area through signals received by the electrodes, such that the electrodes are positioned on and / or on, through, or inside intracranial or extracranial blood vessels or other tissues.

[0074] Referring to Figure 28, the probe 164' may include a connector 500 that allows the compliance member 272''' to be detached from the fiber and / or conductor and remain at the surgical site. In such embodiments, the compliance member 272''' may include a radiopaque material. During use of the probe, the compliance member 272''' can be detached from the probe, and the surgical site can be imaged using an imaging device such as an MRI scanner or CT scanner. Incorporating a radiopaque material into the compliance member 272''' makes it possible to visualize the compliance member against other important structures. Gadolinium is envisioned as the radiopaque material, but other radiopaque materials are also envisioned. It is also envisioned that only a portion of the compliance member is detached from the probe, and this detached portion contains the radiopaque material and is visualized by the imaging device. The radiopaque material may be dispersed within the compliance member or contained within a pocket.

[0075] International application PCT / IB2022 / 052294, by reference, is in whole form part of this specification, and embodiments thereof can be used in conjunction with the probes described herein.

[0076] The foregoing description is essentially illustrative and is not intended to limit the Disclosure, its uses, or applications. The broad teachings of this Disclosure can be implemented in various forms. Therefore, while this Disclosure includes certain examples, the true scope of this Disclosure should not be limited in this way, for other modifications will become apparent upon examination of the drawings, specification, and the claims below. It should be understood that one or more steps within a method may be performed in a different order (or simultaneously) without altering the principles of this Disclosure. Furthermore, while each example is described above as having certain features, any one or more of those features described in relation to any example of this Disclosure may be implemented in any feature of another example, and / or combined with any feature of another example, even if the combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the examples described are not mutually exclusive, and the substitution of one or more examples with each other remains within the scope of this Disclosure.

[0077] The spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between controllers, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using a variety of terms, including “connected,” “engaged,” “coupled,” “adjacent,” “next to,” “on top of,” “above,” “below,” and “disposed.” Unless explicitly described as “direct,” when a relationship between a first element and a second element is described in the above disclosure, that relationship may be a direct relationship in which no other intervening elements exist between the first element and the second element, or it may be an indirect relationship in which one or more intervening elements exist (spatially or functionally) between the first element and the second element.

[0078] Where used herein, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" should be interpreted as meaning the logic (A OR B OR C) using a non-exclusive logic OR, and not as meaning "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C." The term "subset" does not necessarily require a suitable subset. In other words, a first subset of a first set may refer to (be equal to) the same subject matter as the first set.

[0079] In the diagram, the direction of the arrows, as indicated by the arrowheads, generally indicates the flow of information (data or commands, etc.) that is the focus of the illustration. For example, if element A and element B exchange various types of information, and the information transmitted from element A to element B is relevant to the diagram, the arrow may point from element A to element B. This one-way arrow does not mean that no other information is transmitted from element B to element A. Furthermore, with respect to the information transmitted from element A to element B, element B can send an information request or acknowledgment to element A.

[0080] In this application, which includes the following definitions, the terms “controller” or “module” may be replaced with the term “circuit.” The term “controller” refers to, or may include, some or all of the above in a system-on-chip, etc., such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable system-on-chip (PSoC), a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit, a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit, a combinational logic circuit, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a processor circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code, a memory circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor circuit, another suitable hardware component that provides the described functionality, or a system-on-chip, etc.

[0081] The controller may include one or more interface circuits, each having one or more transceivers. In some examples, the interface circuit(s) may implement a wired or wireless interface connecting to a local area network (LAN) or a wireless personal area network (WPAN). Examples of LANs include the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard 802.11-2016 (also known as the WIFI wireless networking standard) and IEEE standard 802.3-2015 (also known as the ETHERNET wired networking standard). Examples of WPANs include the Bluetooth Special Interest Group's Bluetooth wireless networking standard and IEEE standard 802.15.4.

[0082] A controller can communicate with other controllers using interface circuits (which may be multiple). While a controller may be described in this disclosure as communicating logically directly with other controllers, in various embodiments, controllers may actually communicate via a communication system. The communication system may include physical and / or virtual networking equipment such as hubs, switches, routers, gateways, and transceivers. In some embodiments, the communication system connects to or traverses a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet. For example, the communication system may include multiple LANs connected to each other via the Internet or point-to-point dedicated lines using technologies including Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

[0083] In various embodiments, the functions of the controller may be distributed across multiple controllers connected via a communication system. For example, multiple controllers may implement the same functions distributed by a load balancing system. In a further example, the functions of the controller can be divided between a server (also known as a remote or cloud) controller and a client (or user) controller.

[0084] Some or all of the controller's hardware functions can be defined using a hardware description language, such as IEEE standard 1364-2005 (generally referred to as "Verilog") and IEEE standard 1076-2008 (generally referred to as "VHDL"). Hardware description languages ​​can be used to manufacture and / or program hardware circuits. In some embodiments, some or all of the controller's features can be defined by a language such as IEEE 1666-2005 (generally referred to as "SystemC"), which encompasses both the code and hardware description described below.

[0085] The term "code" as used above may include software, firmware, and / or microcode, and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, data structures, and / or objects. The term "shared processor circuit" encompasses a single processor circuit that executes some or all of the code from multiple controllers. The term "group processor circuit" encompasses a processor circuit that, in combination with additional processor circuits, executes some or all of the code from one or more controllers. References to multiple processor circuits include multiple processor circuits on separate dies, multiple processor circuits on a single die, multiple cores in a single processor circuit, multiple threads in a single processor circuit, or a combination of the above. The term "shared memory circuit" encompasses a single memory circuit that stores some or all of the code from multiple controllers. The term "group memory circuit" encompasses a memory circuit that, in combination with additional memory, stores some or all of the code from one or more controllers.

[0086] The term "memory circuit" is a subset of the term "computer-readable medium." As used herein, the term "computer-readable medium" does not include transient electrical or electromagnetic signals that propagate through a medium (such as a carrier wave). Therefore, the term "computer-readable medium" can be considered tangible and non-transient. Non-exclusive examples of non-transient computer-readable mediums include non-volatile memory circuits (such as flash memory circuits, erasable programmable read-only memory circuits, or mask read-only memory circuits), volatile memory circuits (such as static random-access memory circuits or dynamic random-access memory circuits), magnetic storage media (such as analog or digital magnetic tapes or hard disk drives), and optical storage media (such as CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs).

[0087] The apparatus and methods described in this application may be partially or completely implemented by a dedicated computer created by configuring a general-purpose computer to perform one or more specific functions embodied in a computer program. The functional blocks and flowchart elements described above may function as software specifications and may be converted into a computer program by the routine work of a skilled technician or programmer. The computer program includes processor-executable instructions stored in at least one non-temporary computer-readable medium. The computer program may also include or depend on stored data. The computer program may include a basic input / output system (BIOS) that interacts with the hardware of the dedicated computer, device drivers that interact with specific devices of the dedicated computer, one or more operating systems, user applications, background services, background applications, etc.

[0088] Computer programs can include (i) descriptive text to be parsed, such as HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), XML (Extensible Markup Language), or JSON (JavaScript Object Notation); (ii) assembly code; (iii) object code generated from source code by a compiler; (iv) source code for execution by an interpreter; and (v) source code for compilation and execution by a just-in-time compiler. As a mere example, source code can be written using syntax from languages ​​including C, C++, C#, Objective C, Swift, Haskell, Go, SQL, R, Lisp, Java (Trademark), Fortran, Perl, Pascal, Curl, OCaml, JavaScript (Trademark), HTML5 (Hypertext Markup Language 5th revision), Ada, ASP (Active Server Pages), PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor), Scala, Eiffel, Smalltalk, Erlang, Ruby, Flash (Trademark), Visual Basic (Trademark), Lua, MATLAB, SIMULINK, and Python (Trademark).

[0089] Additional protection clauses: I. An optical sensor system for detecting tissue type during a surgical procedure, comprising: an excitation source configured to selectively emit excitation light; a probe comprising at least one fiber coupled to the excitation source and configured to illuminate a target tissue with excitation light and to collect light from the target tissue; a compliance member coupled to at least one fiber, the compliance member being at least partially translucent and configured to deform in response to engagement with a surgical instrument, and a portion of at least one fiber being located inside the compliance member; and an indicator element configured to provide a display in response to the reception of an indicator signal; an optical detection module coupled to at least one fiber and configured to generate a signal based on the collected light; and a controller operationally connected to the optical detection module and configured to determine tissue characteristics based on the signal and to generate an indicator signal based on the determined tissue characteristics. II. The optical sensor system according to Clause I, further comprising an indicator fiber, an excitation source further defined as a first excitation source, an indicator comprising a second excitation source coupled to the indicator fiber, and a display comprising light generated by the second excitation source in response to the reception of an indicator signal. III. The indicator is an optical sensor system as described in Clause I, which includes a light-emitting diode (LED) that is activated in response to the reception of an indicator signal. IV. The indicator includes a speaker, and the display includes an audible sound produced by the speaker in response to the reception of an indicator signal, as described in Clause I of the optical sensor system. V. The indicator is a tactile device configured to be coupled to at least one of a surgical instrument and at least one fiber, and the indication is in the form of tactile feedback produced by the tactile device in response to the reception of an indicator signal, as described in Clause II of the optical sensor system. VI. An attachment for an optical probe comprising at least one fiber configured to illuminate a target tissue with excitation light and to collect fluorescence from the target tissue, wherein the optical probe further comprises an indicator element configured to emit indicator light, the attachment comprising a sensor body comprising a compliant material which is at least partially translucent to allow at least one of the excitation light, fluorescence and indicator light to pass through, the compliant material being formed from a material which is electrically insulating and heat insulating and configured to deform in response to engagement with a surgical instrument. VII. A method for detecting light emitted from brain tissue using an optical sensor system, the optical sensor system comprising: an excitation source; a probe having at least one fiber coupled to the excitation source, the probe further comprising a compliance member coupled to at least one fiber and at least partially translucent, the compliance member comprising a protrusion; the probe further comprising an indicator element at least partially disposed within the compliance member; an optical detection module coupled to at least one fiber; and a controller operatively connected to the optical detection module, the method comprising positioning the suction tool such that the protrusion is near the lumen of the suction tool, and positioning the protrusion so that it is located within the lumen of the suction tool A method comprising: applying suction with a suction tool; moving a compliance member to a desired position with the suction tool; changing the suction of the suction tool so that the suction releases the compliance member; emitting excitation light with an excitation source; illuminating brain tissue with the excitation light using at least one fiber; collecting fluorescence from the brain tissue using at least one fiber; generating a signal based on the collected fluorescence using an optical detection module; determining tissue features based on the signal using a controller; generating an indicator signal based on the determined tissue features using a controller; and emitting light with an indicator element in response to the reception of the indicator signal. VIII. A sensor system for detecting tissue type during surgical procedures, wherein the sensor system is It is a probe, A compliance member equipped with electrodes, configured to deform in response to the engagement of a surgical instrument, and An indicator element configured to emit light in response to the reception of an indicator signal, A probe equipped with, A detection module coupled to an electrode and configured to generate a detection signal based on an electrical signal received by the electrode, A controller is configured to be operationally connected to the detection module, to determine tissue characteristics based on the detection signal, and to generate an indicator signal based on the determined tissue characteristics. A sensor system equipped with these features. IX. An optical sensor system for detecting tissue type during a surgical procedure, the optical sensor system comprising: an excitation source configured to selectively emit excitation light; a probe comprising at least one fiber coupled to the excitation source and configured to illuminate a target tissue with excitation light and to collect light from the target tissue; a compliance member coupled to at least one fiber, the compliance member being at least partially translucent and configured to deform in response to engagement of a surgical instrument, and a portion of at least one fiber being located inside the compliance member; and an indicator configured to provide a display in response to the reception of an indicator signal; an optical detection module coupled to at least one fiber and configured to generate a signal based on the collected light; and a controller operatively connected to the optical detection module and configured to determine tissue characteristics based on the signal and to generate an indicator signal based on the determined tissue characteristics. X. A method for detecting light emitted from brain tissue using an optical sensor system, the optical sensor system comprising: an excitation source; a probe comprising at least one fiber coupled to the excitation source, the probe further comprising a deformable compliance member coupled to at least one fiber, the compliance member being at least partially translucent; the probe further comprising an indicator element positioned at least partially within the compliance member; an optical detection module coupled to at least one fiber; and a controller operationally connected to the optical detection module, the method comprising: engaging the compliance member with a surgical instrument so that at least a portion of the compliance member is deformable; moving the compliance member to a desired position with a surgical instrument; emitting excitation light with the excitation source; illuminating brain tissue with the excitation light using at least one fiber; collecting fluorescence from the brain tissue using at least one fiber; generating a signal based on the collected fluorescence using the optical detection module; determining tissue features based on the signal using the controller; generating an indicator signal based on the determined tissue features using the controller; and emitting light with the indicator element in response to the reception of the indicator signal. XI. A sensor system for detecting tissue type during surgical procedures, The optical sensor system is It is a probe, A member comprising an electrode or optical fiber, and An indicator element, which is coupled to a component and configured to emit light in response to the reception of an indicator signal, A probe equipped with, A detection module coupled to an electrode or fiber and configured to generate a detection signal based on a signal received by the electrode or fiber, A controller is configured to be operationally connected to a detection module, to determine tissue characteristics based on signals, and to generate indicator signals based on the determined tissue characteristics. A sensor system equipped with these features. XII. The sensor system according to Clause XI, wherein the component defines a lumen of a size that allows a portion of a surgical instrument to penetrate and be positioned. XIII. The sensor system according to Clause XI, wherein the probe is equipped with a connector, and the component is detachable from at least one probe by the connector, and the component comprises a radiopaque material. XIV. The radiopaque material is gadolinium, as described in Clause XIII. XV. The component is bioabsorbable, as described in Clause XI of the sensor system. XVI. The sensor system according to Clause XI, wherein the components are formed from materials selected from silicone, polyvinyl chloride, hydrogel, polyurethane, polysaccharides, cellulose, polylactic acid, and combinations thereof. XVII. An indicator element is arranged together with the member in the sensor system described in Clause XI. XVIII. The component is defined as a compliance component, as per the sensor system described in Clause XI. XIX. The sensor system according to Clause XVIII, wherein the compliance member has a Rockwell Shore 00 hardness of 10 to 50, or a Rockwell Shore A hardness of 0 to 20. Furthermore, the technical concepts that can be understood from the above embodiments are described below. [Aspect 1] A light sensor system for detecting tissue type during surgical procedures, The optical sensor system is An excitation source configured to selectively emit excitation light, It is a probe, At least one fiber coupled to the excitation source and configured to illuminate the target tissue with the excitation light and to collect light from the target tissue, A compliance member coupled to the at least one fiber, wherein the compliance member is at least partially translucent and configured to deform in response to engagement of a surgical instrument, and a portion of the at least one fiber is positioned inside the compliance member, and An indicator element configured to emit light in response to the reception of an indicator signal, A probe equipped with, An optical detection module coupled to at least one fiber and configured to generate a signal based on the light collected from the target tissue, A controller is configured to be operationally connected to the optical detection module, to determine tissue characteristics based on the signal, and to generate the indicator signal based on the determined tissue characteristics. A light sensor system equipped with [the necessary components]. [Aspect 2] The optical sensor system according to embodiment 1, wherein the compliance member is constructed from an electrically insulating and heat insulating material. [Aspect 3] The optical sensor system according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the compliance member comprises a ridge extending along its outer surface. [Aspect 4] The optical sensor system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the compliance member comprises a projection that is sized to be positioned at least partially within the lumen of the suction tool. [Aspect 5] The optical sensor system according to embodiment 4, wherein the protruding portion extends from the outer surface of the compliance member. [Aspect 6] The optical sensor system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the probe further comprises a jacket that surrounds at least a portion of the at least one fiber. [Aspect 7] The optical sensor system according to embodiment 6, further comprising a carrier coupled to the jacket or the at least one fiber, wherein the carrier is configured to take on different shapes. [Aspect 8] The optical sensor system according to embodiment 7, wherein the carrier is a wire coupled next to the jacket between a first portion of the jacket and a second portion of the jacket, and the third portion of the jacket between the first portion and the second portion of the jacket takes the shape of the carrier. [Aspect 9] The optical sensor system according to embodiment 6, wherein the probe is coupled to the jacket and comprises a gripping member located proximal to the compliance member. [Aspect 10] The optical sensor system according to embodiment 9, wherein the gripping member comprises a fastener configured to be attached to a part of the patient in order to prevent the probe from moving from a desired position. [Aspect 11] The optical sensor system according to embodiment 9, wherein the gripping member includes a tab into which the surgical instrument engages to guide the compliance member to a desired position. [Aspect 12] The optical sensor system according to any one of embodiments 6 to 11, wherein the surface of at least one fiber or the jacket is hydrophilic. [Aspect 13] The optical sensor system according to any one of embodiments 6 to 12, wherein the probe further comprises an anchor configured to be coupled to the at least one fiber or the jacket and to fix at least a portion of the at least one fiber or the jacket in a position located outside the patient. [Aspect 14] The optical sensor system according to embodiment 13, wherein the compliance member is formed from a bioabsorbable material. [Aspect 15] The optical sensor system according to embodiment 13, wherein the compliance member has a Rockwell Shore 00 hardness of 10 to 50, or a Rockwell Shore A hardness of 0 to 20. [Aspect 16] An optical sensor system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein a first portion of the at least one fiber is coupled to the electrical cable of a surgical instrument, and a second portion of the at least one fiber is uncoupled from the surgical instrument. [Aspect 17] The probe is configured to illuminate the tissue with the excitation light in a first mode or a second mode. The optical sensor system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 16, wherein in the first mode, the at least one fiber illuminates the tissue with diffuse excitation light, and in the second mode, the at least one fiber illuminates the tissue with focused excitation light. [Aspect 18] The optical sensor system according to embodiment 17, wherein in the first mode, the distal end of the at least one fiber is positioned at a first position relative to a portion of the compliance member, and in the second mode, the distal end of the at least one fiber is positioned at a second position relative to the portion of the compliance member. [Aspect 19] The optical sensor system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the probe comprises a connector, the compliance member is detachable from the at least one fiber by the connector, and the compliance member comprises a radiopaque material. [Aspect 20] The photosensor system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 19, wherein the excitation source is further defined as a first excitation source, the photosensor system further comprises a second excitation source, the indicator element comprises an indicator fiber coupled to the second excitation source, and the second excitation source is configured to emit light in response to the indicator signal. [Aspect 21] The optical sensor system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 20, wherein the compliance member defines a lumen of a size that allows a portion of the surgical instrument to pass through and be positioned. [Aspect 22] The light sensor system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 21, wherein the indicator element includes a light-emitting diode (LED) configured to emit light in response to the indicator signal. [Aspect 23] An optical sensor system according to any one of embodiments 20 to 22, wherein at least one of the first excitation source, the light-emitting diode, and the second excitation source is operable in different states, the different states include at least one of an on state, an off state, a first emission state in which light is emitted at a first frequency, a second emission state in which light is emitted at a second frequency different from the first emission state, a first intensity state in which light is emitted at a first intensity, a second intensity state in which light is emitted at a second intensity different from the first intensity, a first color state in which light is emitted in a first color, and a second color state in which light is emitted in a second color different from the first color. [Aspect 24] The optical sensor system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 23, wherein the compliance member defines a spherical shape. [Pattern 25] The optical sensor system according to embodiment 24, wherein the compliance member comprises a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere, and a portion of the at least one fiber is completely located within at least one of the first hemisphere and the second hemisphere. [Aspect 26] The optical sensor system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 25, wherein the compliance member is formed from a material selected from silicone, polyvinyl chloride, hydrogel, polyurethane, polysaccharide, cellulose, polylactic acid, and combinations thereof. [Aspect 27] The photosensor system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 26, wherein the at least one fiber is further defined as an excitation fiber configured to be coupled to the excitation source and to emit the excitation light, and the photosensor system further comprises a collection fiber configured to be coupled to the optical detection module and to collect light from the target tissue. [Aspect 28] The optical sensor system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 27, wherein the probe comprises a coaxial fiber having a central core and an outer channel, the indicator element is located within the outer channel, and at least one fiber is located within the central core. [Aspect 29] The optical sensor system according to embodiment 28, wherein the tip of the central core is positioned inside the compliance member, proximal to the distal portion of the compliance member. [Aspect 30] The light sensor system according to embodiment 28, wherein the sidewall of the outer channel is transparent and configured to allow the indicator element to diffuse light into the surrounding area. [Aspect 31] The optical sensor system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 30, wherein the refractive index of the compliance member is within 0.05 of the refractive index of the tissue such that the refraction of light passing between the compliance member and the tissue is minimized. [Aspect 32] A light sensor system for detecting tissue type during surgical procedures, The optical sensor system is An excitation source configured to selectively emit excitation light, It is a probe, At least one fiber coupled to the excitation source and configured to illuminate the target tissue with excitation light and to collect light from the target tissue, A sensor body coupled to the distal end of at least one fiber, A tab, configured to be operated by a surgical instrument and coupled to the at least one fiber proximal to the sensor body, An indicator configured to provide a display in response to the reception of an indicator signal. A probe equipped with, An optical detection module coupled to at least one of the fibers and configured to generate a signal based on the collected light, A controller is configured to be operationally connected to the optical detection module, to determine tissue characteristics based on the signal, and to generate the indicator signal based on the determined tissue characteristics. A light sensor system equipped with [the necessary components].

Claims

1. A light sensor system for detecting tissue type during surgical procedures, wherein the light sensor system is An excitation source configured to emit excitation light, It is a probe, At least one fiber coupled to the excitation source and configured to illuminate the target tissue with the excitation light and to collect light from the target tissue, A compliance member coupled to the at least one fiber, wherein the compliance member is at least partially translucent and configured to deform in response to engagement of a surgical instrument, and a portion of the at least one fiber is positioned inside the compliance member, and An indicator element configured to emit light in response to the reception of an indicator signal, A probe equipped with, An optical detection module coupled to at least one fiber and configured to generate a signal based on the light collected from the target tissue, A controller is configured to be operationally connected to the optical detection module and the probe, to determine tissue characteristics based on the signal, and to generate the indicator signal based on the determined tissue characteristics. A light sensor system equipped with [the necessary components].

2. The optical sensor system according to claim 1, wherein the compliance member comprises a projection extending from the outer surface of the compliance member and sized to be at least partially positioned within the lumen of the suction tool.

3. The aforementioned probe A jacket surrounding at least a portion of the at least one fiber, A carrier, which is attached to a part of the jacket and is configured to be bend in order to fix the shape of the part of the jacket, The optical sensor system according to claim 1, further comprising the following:

4. The probe is coupled to the jacket and includes a gripping member located proximal to the compliance member, The gripping member is, A fastener configured to be attached to a part of the patient is provided to prevent the probe from moving from the desired position. A tab into which the surgical instrument engages in order to guide the compliance member to the desired position, The optical sensor system according to claim 3, comprising at least one of the following.

5. The optical sensor system according to claim 3, wherein the probe further comprises an anchor configured to be coupled to the at least one fiber or the jacket, and to fix at least a portion of the at least one fiber or the jacket in a position located outside the patient.

6. The distal portion of the compliance member is movable relative to the distal end of the probe so that the probe illuminates the target tissue with the excitation light in a first mode or a second mode, In the first mode, the distal portion of the compliance member is positioned distally to the distal end of the probe, and the at least one fiber illuminates the target tissue with diffuse excitation light. The optical sensor system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in the second mode, the distal end of the probe is positioned distally with respect to the distal portion of the compliance member, and the at least one fiber illuminates the target tissue with focused excitation light.

7. The compliance member includes a first portion, a second portion, and a central portion between the first portion and the second portion, the central portion having an opening through which the distal end of the probe is inserted. In the first mode, the compliance member is positioned such that the first portion and the second portion extend forward from the distal end of the probe. The optical sensor system according to claim 6, wherein in the second mode, the compliance member is positioned in a second position such that the central portion is positioned forward of the first and second portions, such that the central portion is closer to the distal end of the probe than the first and second portions.

8. The optical sensor system according to claim 1, wherein the compliance member includes a radiation-impermeable material.

9. The photosensor system according to claim 1, wherein the excitation source is further defined as a first excitation source, the photosensor system further comprises a second excitation source, the indicator element comprises an indicator fiber coupled to the second excitation source, and the second excitation source is configured to emit light in response to the indicator signal.

10. The optical sensor system according to claim 1, wherein the compliance member defines a lumen of a size that allows a portion of the surgical instrument to pass through and be positioned within it.

11. The light sensor system according to claim 1, wherein the indicator element includes a light-emitting diode (LED) configured to emit light in response to the indicator signal.

12. The compliance member defines a spherical shape, The optical sensor system according to claim 1, wherein the compliance member comprises a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere, and a portion of the at least one fiber is completely located within at least one of the first hemisphere and the second hemisphere.

13. The photosensor system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one fiber is further defined as an excitation fiber configured to be coupled to the excitation source and to emit the excitation light, and the photosensor system further comprises a collection fiber configured to be coupled to the optical detection module and to collect light from the target tissue.

14. The optical sensor system according to claim 1, wherein the probe comprises a coaxial fiber having a central core and an outer channel, the indicator element is located within the outer channel, and at least one fiber is located within the central core.

15. The optical sensor system according to claim 14, wherein the tip of the central core is positioned inside the compliance member, proximal to the distal portion of the compliance member.

16. The light sensor system according to claim 14, wherein the sidewall of the outer channel is transparent and configured to allow the indicator element to diffuse light into the surrounding area.

17. A light sensor system for detecting tissue type during surgical procedures, wherein the light sensor system is An excitation source configured to emit excitation light, It is a probe, At least one fiber coupled to the excitation source and configured to illuminate the target tissue with the excitation light and to collect light from the target tissue, A sensor body coupled to the distal end of at least one fiber, A tab, configured to be operated by a surgical instrument and coupled to the at least one fiber proximal to the sensor body, An indicator configured to provide a display in response to the reception of an indicator signal. A probe equipped with, An optical detection module coupled to at least one of the fibers and configured to generate a signal based on the collected light, A controller is configured to be operationally connected to the optical detection module and the probe, to determine tissue characteristics based on the signal, and to generate the indicator signal based on the determined tissue characteristics. A light sensor system equipped with [the necessary components].

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