iKnife REIMS Project

There are currently no widely accepted methods which provide real time in vivo, in situ tissue diagnostics within the operating theatre environment. This project proposes that the oncological nature of in vivo tissue may be accurately identified using mass spectrometric analysis of tissue specific ions released during thermal degradation of tissue as occurs during electrosurgery. Subsequently, the protocol describes a technique for a prospective study to determine whether Rapid Evaporative Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (REIMS) can be used to accurately identify the nature of human tissue both ex vivo and in vivo.

The project aims/objectives comprise the following: 1. Building of histologically validated spectral databases for normal, benign and malignant tissue using ex vivo tissue analysis by Rapid Evaporative Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (REIMS). 2. Optimisation of a technique to provide accurate, real-time information on the nature of tissue intra-operatively using Rapid Evaporative Ionisation Mass Spectrometry. 3. Optimisation of a technique to provide accurate, real-time information on the nature of tissue during endoscopic procedures using Rapid Evaporative Ionisation Mass Spectrometry. 4. In vivo testing of the accuracy of the technique using pre-built spectral databases both intraoperatively and during endoscopic procedures including, but not limited to, the use of sub-study trials. 5. Validation of spectral data obtained using a second mass spectral analysis technique, Desorption Electrospray Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (DESI). 6. Bacterial identification from tissue using mass spectrometry, standard microbiology culture and metagenomic sequencing by '454 pyrosequencing. The following will be collected from each enrolled participant: 1. Fresh ex vivo tissue samples for mass spectral (MS) analysis and histological examination where applicable 2. In vivo MS data from surgical diathermy smoke collected intra-operatively. Custom built Mass spectrometers will be installed at participating sites. Optimal electrosurgical settings, in terms of obtaining maximal amount of good quality spectral data whilst providing adequate surgical dissection, will be determined between operating surgeons and researchers. All spectral data collected will be uploaded anonymised into a research database with the full histology provided. The spectra will be pre-processed according to the mass spectrometer used for collection. In addition to diagnostic accuracy REIMS offers additional advantages to existing and emerging IMA techniques. Specifically, the REIMS iKnife allows use of a standard operating procedure without altering operative workflow in that the technique samples the surgical aerosol already being generated during excision. The rapid time frame of analysis to results (1-2 seconds) means that eventually surgeons' decision-making may be altered in real-time to achieve negative margins or improve patient prognosis.