Using special fluorescent probes to help surgeons see and preserve cranial nerves during surgery
Fluorescence Guided Surgery using Near Infrared Nerve-specific Probes for Cranial Nerve Preservation
This study is looking at a new way to help surgeons see important nerves more clearly during brain surgeries, which could lead to safer operations and better recovery for patients.
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 ID | NIH-11047668 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving surgical outcomes by enhancing the visibility of cranial nerves during skull base surgeries. It aims to develop and utilize fluorescence-guided surgery techniques with nerve-specific probes that can help surgeons identify and preserve these critical nerves, reducing the risk of nerve injury. The approach involves using FDA-approved fluorophores to visualize nerves more clearly during minimally invasive procedures, which can be challenging due to their proximity to tumors. By improving nerve identification, the research seeks to minimize complications and improve patient quality of life post-surgery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing skull base surgeries where cranial nerve preservation is critical.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing skull base surgeries or those with conditions unrelated to cranial nerve preservation may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of nerve injuries during surgeries, leading to better recovery and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Similar approaches using fluorescence-guided techniques have shown promise in other surgical fields, indicating potential success for this novel application.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gibbs, Summer Lynne — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Gibbs, Summer Lynne
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.