Fluorescent Dye Nerve Localization in Prostatectomy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical techniques for prostate cancer, such as radical prostatectomy, often result in unintended damage to cavernous nerves due to the difficulty in distinguishing between prostate tissue and nerve tissue, leading to complications like impotence, as they lack effective methods for visualizing and preserving these nerves during surgery.
Innovation Solution
The method involves administering a fluorescent dye that emits light when excited, allowing for the visualization of cavernous nerves during surgery by illuminating the area with a specific wavelength and detecting the fluorescence, thereby aiding in the identification and preservation of these nerves, or guiding nerve grafting if they are transected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional surgical techniques are used for radical prostatectomy, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but the surgeon cannot distinguish between prostate tissue and nerve tissue, leading to unintended nerve damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies fluorescent dyes that emit light at specific wavelengths when excited, causing nerve tissue to change its optical properties and become visually distinguishable from surrounding prostate tissue. The dye accumulates in nerve tissue and fluoresces under appropriate illumination, providing clear visual contrast that enables surgeons to identify and preserve nerves during radical prostatectomy procedures.
2Measurement precision
If fluorescent dye is administered to visualize nerves, then nerve location can be detected, but additional time is required for dye administration and fluorescence detection
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorescent dye is administered to the patient before the surgical procedure begins, allowing sufficient time for the dye to accumulate in the nerve tissue and reach optimal fluorescence intensity. This preliminary administration ensures that when the surgery starts, the nerves are already clearly visualized, eliminating the need for time-consuming dye application during the actual surgical procedure.
3Ease of operation
If traditional visualization methods are used, then the surgical field is visible, but nerves cannot be identified, resulting in high risk of impotence
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorescent dye acts as an intermediary substance that selectively accumulates in nerve tissue and provides visual contrast when illuminated with appropriate wavelengths. This intermediary enables the surgeon to see through the tissue structures, distinguishing nerves from surrounding prostate tissue, thereby facilitating nerve-sparing surgery while maintaining normal surgical field visibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the risk of nerve damage during prostate surgery, potentially preserving erectile function by enhancing the surgeon's ability to identify and avoid cavernous nerves, and facilitates nerve grafting if necessary, thereby minimizing post-operative impotence.
Implementation Method 1
administering a fluorescent dye that emits light when excited, allowing for the visualization of cavernous nerves during surgery by illuminating the area with a specific wavelength and detecting the fluorescence
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides methods for intraoperatively determining the location of nerves by use of fluorescent dyes. The methods are particularly useful for locating the cavernous nerves innervating the penis.