Optical stimulation of the cavernous nerves in the rat prostate

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

doi:10.1117/12.760950

8 February 2008 Optical stimulation of the cavernous nerves in the rat prostate

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

Proceedings Volume 6842, Photonic Therapeutics and Diagnostics IV; 684213 (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.760950
Event: SPIE BiOS, 2008, San Jose, California, United States

Abstract

Laser nerve stimulation has recently been studied as an alternative to electrical stimulation in neuroscience. Advantages include non-contact stimulation, improved spatial selectivity, and elimination of electrical stimulation artifacts. This study explores laser stimulation of the rat cavernous nerves, as a potential alternative to electrical nerve mapping during nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy. The cavernous nerves were surgically exposed in a total of 10 male rats. A Thulium fiber laser stimulated the nerves, with a wavelength of 1870 nm, pulse energy of 7.5 mJ, radiant exposure of 1 J/cm², pulse duration of 2.5 ms, pulse rate of 10 Hz, and 1-mm laser spot diameter, for a stimulation time of 60 s. A significant increase in the intracavernosal pressure was detected upon laser stimulation, with pressure returning to baseline levels after stimulation. This study demonstrates the feasibility of non-contact laser stimulation of the cavernous nerves using near-infrared laser radiation.

Citation Download Citation

Nathaniel M. Fried, Gwen A. Lagoda, Nicholas J Scott, Li-Ming Su M.D., and Arthur L. Burnett M.D. "Optical stimulation of the cavernous nerves in the rat prostate", Proc. SPIE 6842, Photonic Therapeutics and Diagnostics IV, 684213 (8 February 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.760950

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