Laser stimulation of the cavernous nerves in the rat prostate, in vivo: optimization of wavelength, pulse energy, and pulse repetition rate.

Nathaniel M. Fried, Gwen A. Lagoda, Nicholas J. Scott, Li Ming Su, Arthur L. Burnett

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The cavernous nerves on the prostate surface are responsible for erectile function. Improved diagnostic techniques are necessary for identification of the nerves during prostate cancer surgery and preservation of sexual function after surgery. Electrical mapping of the nerves has been used as an intra-operative tool during prostate surgery, but it has proven inconsistent and unreliable. Non-contact optical stimulation of the cavernous nerves in the rat prostate has recently been demonstrated as a potential alternative to electrical nerve stimulation. The purpose of this study is to optimize the laser parameters to provide the maximum intracavernosal pressure response after optical nerve stimulation in the rat prostate. Optimal laser nerve stimulation parameters provided comparable response to electrical nerve stimulation. Optical nerve stimulation may represent a potential intra-operative diagnostic technique for use in laparoscopic and robotic nerve-sparing prostate cancer surgery.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2777-2780
Number of pages4
JournalConference proceedings : ... Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Conference
StatePublished - 2008
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition
  • Signal Processing
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Health Informatics

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