Optically Actuated Needles for Oncological Applications

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): In this FastTrack Phase I/II SBIR application, IFOS, in collaboration with the Stanford Center for Design Research (CDR) proposes to develop and validate an actively steered, photo-actuated, small-caliber needle for precise imaging-assisted percutaneous procedures. This innovation specifically addresses the need for precise needle placement in procedures targeting deep tissue, where routes of entry are restricted due to anatomical obstructions and the need to avoid vitalorgans. The proposed active steering can compensate for the deflection encountered during needle insertion into soft tissue, which becomes increasingly significant as the path to the target lengthens. Such deviations from the planned path can result in multiple reinsertions, adding to patient discomfort and procedure time, and compromising the effectiveness of minimally invasive procedures. The active steering concept is based on optical activation of a shape memory alloy (SMA) embedded within a flexi