Using a special dye to help surgeons see nerves during surgery
First-in-Human Clinical Translation of a Near-Infrared, Nerve-Specific Fluorophore to Facilitate Tissue-Specific Fluorescence-Guided Surgery
This study is testing a special dye that helps doctors see nerves better during surgery, making it easier to avoid damaging them and helping patients recover faster.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lebanon, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10831423 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a near-infrared fluorophore that specifically targets nerve tissues to improve surgical outcomes. By enhancing the visibility of critical nerves during surgery, the goal is to minimize nerve damage and improve recovery for patients. The approach involves using fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) techniques, which allow surgeons to identify and preserve important anatomical structures that are often difficult to see with standard lighting. This could be particularly beneficial in complex surgical situations where normal anatomical landmarks are altered.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing surgeries where nerve preservation is critical, such as those with tumors or injuries affecting nerve-rich areas.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing surgeries involving critical nerve structures may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce nerve injuries during surgery, leading to better recovery and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While fluorescence-guided surgery has shown promise in identifying cancers, the application of nerve-specific fluorophores is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Lebanon, United States
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic — Lebanon, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Henderson, Eric R — Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic
- Study coordinator: Henderson, Eric R
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 below.