| abstract |
Radiation detection probes for use with remote surgical robots are described. Probes may include a radiation detector (e.g., scintillator) that emits a signal (e.g., light) upon exposure to ionizing radiation originating from a radionuclide located within the body of a patient. In some embodiments, an optical fiber cable extending from a scintillator may transmit the signal to a photomultiplier and/or other signal processor, so as to ultimately provide an indication to an observer as to the potential presence/location of the radionuclide. The radiation detector may be located at a distal end of the probe, arranged to be inserted within the body of a patient during surgery, without any electrical component(s). That is, any electrical component(s) of or connected to the probe remain outside the body of the patient during surgery. The radiation detector may further be able to be inserted within the lumen of a relatively small trocar, e.g., less than 16 mm in diameter, less than 12 mm in diameter, or less than 10 mm in diameter. |