Proof of Concept of a Static Approach to Determine Mechanical Tissue Properties During Tumor Surgery

The mechanical properties of tumor tissue differ from those of healthy tissue. Therefore, surgeons palpate accessible surgical sites to determine tumor boundaries prior to resection. However, palpation is not possible during minimally invasive surgery, so instrumented palpation is required instead. This study investigates the suitability of an engineering method that combines mechanical object scanning and indentation to determine Young’s modulus of soft, tissue-like materials. To establish a defined reference, we tested our concept on silicone phantoms containing stiff tumor-like inclusions. We used a sensor consisting of a load cell connected to a rigid probe with a spherical indenter tip. Young’s modulus was calculated by measured force, indentation depth, and indenter geometry. These results were compared with those of a palpation experiment on the same specimens, conducted with surgeons. Validation results reflect the accuracy of the method. Error in estimation of Young’s modulus is: soft material 6.7