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Novel Intra-Operative Peripheral Nerve Agent for Fluorescence Guided Imaging
Xiang Liu1,2, Paul Lovell1, Denzel Ryan Cruz3
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
Proceedings of Spie--The International Society for Optical Engineering
|February 26, 2025
Summary
A novel fluorescent contrast agent, Nervelight™, selectively binds to peripheral nerves for improved visualization during surgery. This nerve-targeting agent aids surgeons in identifying and sparing critical nerves, enhancing patient outcomes in procedures like radical prostatectomies.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Surgical Technology
- Molecular Imaging
Background:
- Nerve injuries are a significant complication of major surgeries, impacting patient quality of life.
- Current surgical techniques lack precise methods for intraoperative nerve visualization, especially in oncological procedures.
- Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) offers potential for improved instrument precision and nerve sparing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel contrast agent for selective peripheral nerve visualization during surgery.
- To address the unmet clinical need for intraoperative nerve identification in oncological surgeries.
- To create a tool that enhances nerve sparing capabilities in procedures like radical prostatectomies.
Main Methods:
- Development of Nervelight™, a contrast agent combining a near-infrared (NIR) dye with nerve growth factor (NGF).
- Utilizing NGF's natural retrograde axonal transport mechanism for targeted nerve binding and visualization.
- Preliminary in vivo studies applying the agent directly to nerves for fluorescence imaging.
Main Results:
- Nervelight™ demonstrated selective binding and clear fluorescent labeling of targeted peripheral nerves.
- Visualization of the targeted nerve was achieved within 10 minutes of agent application.
- The fluorescent signal persisted for at least one hour, suggesting sustained visualization potential.
Conclusions:
- Nervelight™ shows promise as an effective fluorescence-guided surgical tool for intraoperative nerve visualization.
- The agent's ability to target and visualize nerves can improve nerve sparing during radical prostatectomies and other oncological surgeries.
- This technology has the potential to reduce nerve-related complications and improve surgical outcomes.
