Finite Element Analysis of Laser-Generated Surface Acoustic Wave for Spinal Cord Tension Measurement

Abstract

For patients with tethered cord syndrome (TCS), surgeons need accurate judgment of the tumor or bonding to be cut during the surgical procedures to release the spinal cord to normal tension. According to laser-generated surface acoustic wave (SAW) technology, using laser to irradiate the spinal cord with viscoelasticity to generate SAW, we can analyze the degree of traction in the spinal cord by the propagation conditions of SAW which is related to the physical and mechanical properties of the spinal cord surface. A finite element model was built in the environment of COMSOL Multiphasic. This simulation analyzed and verified the feasibility of laser-generated SAW technique for measuring spinal cord surface tension, and it will contribute to the development of the testing medical devices of spinal cord tension which enable doctors to achieve more accurate results during surgery.