There is a need for a simple method to help surgeons find tiny cancers in the operating theatre during surgery. These tiny cancers are either detected early by screening or have been rendered tiny by pre-operative chemotherapy. Metallic markers are implanted at the site of breast tumour and they must be localised before the surgery.
Problem: Currently, radiologist places a wire at the site of the coil under ultrasound guidance again on the day of surgery. This complicates the patient journey and planning of the operating lists and means that there are frequent delays and wasted time in theatre – operating theatres being one of the most expensive resources in the hospital. If the marker could be detected by the surgeon in theatre without the need for a wire localisation on the day the logistical problems would be avoided.
Aim: To develop a non-imaging ultrasound probe for detection of metallic markers without the need for the insertion of a preoperative wire. An audio feedback will indicate the proximity of the marker to guide the surgeon during surgery.