Robotic Laser Tissue Soldering for Damage-free Soft Tissue Fusion Guided by Fluorescent Nanothermometry

Abstract

Minimally invasive surgical techniques, including endoscopic and robotic procedures, continue to revolutionize patient care, for their ability to minimize surgical trauma, thus promoting faster recovery and reduced hospital stays. Yet, the suturing of soft tissues ensuring damage-free tissue bonding during these procedures remains challenging due to missing haptics and the fulcrum effect. Laser tissue soldering has potential in overcoming these issues, offering damage-free seamless tissue fusion. To ensure the precision and safety of laser tissue soldering, we introduce feedback controlled fluorescent nanothermometry-guided laser tissue soldering using nanoparticle-protein solders within endoscopic and robotic contexts. Temperature-sensitive fluorescent nanoparticles embedded in the solder provide surgeons with immediate feedback on tissue temperatures during laser application, all while within the confines of minimally invasive (robotic) surgical setups. By integrating fluorescent nanothermometry-guided laser tissue surgery into endoscopic and robotic surgery, we pave the way for a new approach for safe and atraumatic soft tissue joining, especially in regions where traditional suturing is unfeasible.