The brain biopsy needle houses a miniature fiber-optic camera, allowing surgeons to avoid at-risk vessels Smart needle detects blood vessels during brain biopsies. Credit: University of Adelaideduring instrument insertion and prevent potentially fatal bleeds.

The needle camera is connected to a computer that analyzes the video coming in in real-time, and warns the surgeon if it suspects there’s a vessel in the way (see video).

The biopsy needle has been tested in a pilot trial on 12 patients and will be ready for formal clinical trials in 2018.

The device was developed at the University of Adelaide, Australia, in collaboration with the University of Western Australia and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.