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Epidural needle with embedded optical fibers for spectroscopic differentiation of tissue: ex vivo feasibility study

This was the first paper to demonstrate an optical reflectance sensor that provides information about the haemoglobin and lipid content of tissue during minimally invasive procedures. Haemoglobin and lipid content are highly significant from a clinical standpoint, as they can be used to differentiate between different types of tissues that are adjacent to the sensor. The technology in this paper sets the stage for a broad range of applications including injections of epidural steroids and anaesthetics. Results were obtained with tissue samples during a laminectomy with physicians at Karolinska Institute (Sweden) and the Harvard Medical School (USA).