Novel Optical Methods for Identification, Imaging, and Preservation of the Cavernous Nerves Responsible for Penile Erections during Prostate Cancer Surgery
Abstract
There is wide variability in sexual potency rates (9-86%) after prostate cancer surgery due to a limited understanding of the location of the cavernous nerves, which are responsible for erectile function. Advances in identification and preservation of these nerves would result in improved postoperative potency and patient quality of life. We hypothesize that application of 3 optical technologies for identification, imaging, and preservation of the nerves during prostate surgery will result in improved sexual function: (1) Laser nerve stimulation for identification, (2) optical coherence tomography (OCT) for nerve imaging, and (3) precise laser prostate dissection for nerve preservation. In Year 2, we continued development and testing of the laser nerve stimulation probe, measured the near-infrared optical properties of the prostate for optimization of OCT imaging, and combined 3 image processing algorithms for improving image quality of OCT prostate images. This work resulted in the publication of 2 manuscripts, 5 conference proceedings, and 1 abstract.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA524583
Entities
People
- Nathaniel M. Fried
Organizations
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte