06/04/2026
researchers have developed a new chip-based camera system that could help surgeons instantly determine whether to remove a patient’s lymph nodes during cancer surgery.
The system uses ultraviolent and near-infrared light to give surgeons a “smart vision” view that when fully developed for surgical use could inform clinical decisions, streamline surgical workflows, and improve patient care.
“If a lymph node is healthy, future versions of this approach could help surgeons leave it in place, which may reduce unnecessary node removal and lower the risk of complications,” said Viktor Gruev, a Carle Illinois College of Medicine professor and principal investigator. “If a lymph node is positive (for cancer), the surgeon could potentially adjust the operation immediately, which may help avoid secondary surgeries.”
