Temperature-controlled optical stimulation of the rat prostate cavernous nerves

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Urology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Prostate cancer surgery risks damage to prostate cavernous nerves (CN), crucial for erectile function.
• Intraoperative identification and preservation of CNs are vital for maintaining erectile function.
• Optical nerve stimulation (ONS) requires precise temperature control (42-47°C) for efficacy and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore a prototype temperature-controlled optical nerve stimulation (TC-ONS) system.
• To assess the system's ability to maintain stable nerve temperature during ONS of rat prostate CNs.
• To evaluate TC-ONS for safe and effective intraoperative nerve identification.

Main Methods:

• A 150-mW, 1455-nm diode laser and fiber optic probe were used for ONS.
• A microcontroller-based system controlled nerve temperature via an infrared sensor and mechanical shutter.
• Rat prostate CNs were stimulated for 15-30 seconds with and without temperature control.

Main Results:

• TC-ONS maintained a constant nerve temperature (±1°C) during stimulation.
• Higher laser power was safely used with TC-ONS to achieve therapeutic temperatures rapidly.
• The system prevented thermal damage by avoiding excessive temperatures.

Conclusions:

• TC-ONS offers a promising approach for precise temperature management during ONS.
• This technology may enable safer and more effective intraoperative identification and preservation of prostate CNs.
• Further development could lead to improved outcomes for erectile function after prostate cancer surgery.