Electro-Scalpel "Sniffs Out" Tumors

TechReviewAl writes "Researchers in Germany have developed a surgical tool that uses chemical analysis to identify cancerous tissue as a surgeon cuts. The instrument uses a modified mass spectrometer — a device that uses ionized molecules to perform very accurate chemical analysis — to pinpoint tumors so that surgeons can make sure they remove everything. Mass spectrometry has been used to study biopsied biological samples before, but never used in-situ. The key was to harness ionized gas already produced by the electro-scalpel."

How far we've come

[cjfs]

"A high-voltage nitrogen jet is not compatible with the human body," says Takáts.

Well, I'm glad we've gotten past those experiments.

Re:How far we've come

[Thanshin]

"A high-voltage nitrogen jet is not compatible with the human body," says Takáts.

Well, I'm glad we've gotten past those experiments.

Indeed. You got here just in time for our next experiment.

We'll perform this simple apendectomy. WITH A CHAINSAW!

Good question!

[GameboyRMH]

If the tumor is found to have a vulnerable exhaust port, it could revolutionize cancer treatment!

Re:That is freakin' brilliant.

[sconeu]

And when it finds healthy tissue, the computer says, "IT'S NOT A TUMAH!"