Fluorescence-guided nerve preservation during skull-base surgery
Official title: Fluorescence Guided Surgery using Near Infrared Nerve-specific Probes for Cranial Nerve Preservation
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11464911 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new imaging approach uses special dyes that glow during surgery to help protect cranial nerves in skull-base operations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $88,948 |
| NIH project number | 3R01NS129121-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11464911 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients undergoing skull-base or cranial nerve–related surgeries who are at risk of cranial nerve injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing cranial nerve–related procedures or those not eligible for imaging-guided surgery may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to improve how surgeons see cranial nerves in real-time by using near-infrared fluorescent probes that target nerve tissue. It focuses on enabling clearer visualization during minimally invasive skull-base surgeries to reduce nerve injury and related disabilities. The study combines fluorescent imaging with current surgical techniques to help surgeons identify nerves more reliably while removing tumors. Results could lead to safer operations and better long-term nerve function for patients. If successful, the approach could be integrated into standard surgical practice after further testing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience fewer nerve injuries and better preservation of function after skull-base surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary fluorescence-guided surgery has shown promise in other areas, but this specific nerve-targeted approach is still early in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gibbs, Summer Lynne — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Gibbs, Summer Lynne
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.