A "smart scalpel" mechanism to detect the presence of cancer
cells as a surgeon cuts away a tumor obscured by blood,
muscle and fat has been developed in prototype by Sandia
scientists. The dime-sized device, called a biocavity laser,
should help surgeons more accurately cut away malignant
growths while minimizing the amount of healthy tissue
removed. In effect, the patented device tells a surgeon when
to stop cutting.