Value Proposition:
- Highly accurate and objective determination of nerve injury site during surgical operations.
- Reduces patient risk during nerve surgeries by improving upon existing rudimentary methods.
- Quantifies nerve regeneration potential for a prognosis of patient recovery.
- Accessible and mobile imaging device for intraoperative use or postoperative assessments.
Unmet Need:
Peripheral nerve injuries can stem from trauma, surgery, or chronic conditions. Accurate intraoperative assessment of nerve viability and regeneration is crucial for optimal surgical outcomes. Current methods, such as palpation and “breadloafing” techniques, are subjective, lack precision, and are not data-driven approaches. Imaging modalities like MRI and ultrasound are limited in their ability to provide real-time images that are needed to assess peripheral nerve injury.
Technology Description:
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a platform that integrates a custom photoacoustic imaging device with a proprietary image processing algorithm to intraoperatively localize and evaluate the extent of peripheral nerve injuries quantitatively. Additionally, this medical device can be used post-operatively, targeting another clinical need of monitoring nerve postoperatively. The device provides a custom light delivery method via handheld device, alongside software analysis to aid in clinical decision making.
Stage of Development:
- An ex vivo proof-of-concept for the platform using pig peripheral nerves and prototype of device was created.
Data Availability: (if applicable)
- Data available upon request.
Publications:
Michelle T. Graham, Nicholas von Guionneau, Sami Tuffaha, and Muyinatu A. Lediju Bell "Design and optimization of simulated light delivery systems for photoacoustic assessment of peripheral nerve injury", Proc. SPIE 11960, Photons Plus Ultrasound: Imaging and Sensing 2022, 1196012 (3 March 2022); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2610511
Michelle T. Graham, Arunima Sharma, William M. Padovano, Visakha Suresh, Arlene Chiu, Susanna M. Thon, Sami Tuffaha, and Muyinatu A. Bell "Optical absorption spectra and corresponding in vivo photoacoustic visualization of exposed peripheral nerves," Journal of Biomedical Optics 28(9), 097001 (4 September 2023). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JBO.28.9.097001
