Femtosecond laser cuts lung tumour margin assessment time
pharmafile | October 15, 2026 | News story | |Â Â Devices, Diagnostics, Hospital Management, Oncology, laser imaging, lung disease, tumourÂ
Femtosecond laser imaging has reduced the time needed to assess lung tumour margins from 36 minutes to less than six in a recent study, potentially giving surgeons time to make decisions about the extent of tissue removal during an operation.
The study, published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, found that the technique matched the accuracy of the current standard method while substantially reducing the time required to assess whether tumour tissue remained at the surgical margin.
Rapid assessment of tumour margins is important during lung cancer surgery, as results obtained during the procedure can determine whether additional tissue needs to be removed. A lengthy assessment can make it difficult to incorporate the result while surgery is still underway.
Femtosecond lasers use extremely short pulses of light, allowing tissue to be imaged or manipulated while limiting heat transfer to surrounding areas. The technology is already used in some ophthalmic procedures, while other potential applications are being investigated.
These include dental procedures, where femtosecond pulses can cut enamel and dentin, and glaucoma treatment using image-guided laser treatment to create drainage channels.
The latest findings point to a potential application in cancer surgery, although further clinical development will be needed before the technology can be considered an alternative to existing intraoperative margin assessment.
The study was highlighted by LITILIT, a manufacturer of femtosecond lasers. The company said its technology is also being developed for applications outside medicine, including semiconductor and electronics manufacturing.
Pic: Nikolajus Gavrilinas, co-founder and CEO of LITILIT.
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