A compact, inexpensive infrared laser system for continuous-wave optical stimulation of the rat prostate cavernous nerves

William C. Perkins; Gwen A. Lagoda; Arthur L. Burnett M.D.; Nathaniel M. Fried

doi:10.1117/12.2043189

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4 March 2014 A compact, inexpensive infrared laser system for continuous-wave optical stimulation of the rat prostate cavernous nerves

William C. Perkins, Gwen A. Lagoda, Arthur L. Burnett M.D., Nathaniel M. Fried

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Proceedings Volume 8926, Photonic Therapeutics and Diagnostics X; 89261E (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2043189
Event: SPIE BiOS, 2014, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

Optical nerve stimulation (ONS) has been commonly performed in the laboratory using high-power, pulsed, infrared (IR) lasers including Holmium:YAG, diode, and Thulium fiber lasers. However, the relatively high cost of these lasers in comparison with conventional electrical nerve stimulation (ENS) equipment may represent a significant barrier to widespread adoption of ONS. Optical stimulation of the prostate cavernous nerves (CN’s) has recently been reported using lower cost, continuous-wave (CW), all-fiber-based diode lasers. This preliminary study describes further miniaturization and cost reduction of the ONS system in the form of a compact, lightweight, cordless, and inexpensive IR laser. A 140-mW, 1560-nm diode laser was integrated with a green aiming beam and delivery optics into a compact ONS system. Surface and subsurface ONS was performed in a total of 5 rats, in vivo, with measurement of an intracavernous pressure (ICP) response during CW laser irradiation for 30 s with a spot diameter of 0.7 mm. Short-term, CW ONS of the prostate CN’s is feasible using a compact, inexpensive, batterypowered IR laser diode system. This ONS system may represent an alternative to ENS for laboratory studies, and with further development, a handheld option for ONS in the clinic to identify and preserve the CN’s during prostate cancer surgery.

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William C. Perkins, Gwen A. Lagoda, Arthur L. Burnett M.D., and Nathaniel M. Fried "A compact, inexpensive infrared laser system for continuous-wave optical stimulation of the rat prostate cavernous nerves", Proc. SPIE 8926, Photonic Therapeutics and Diagnostics X, 89261E (4 March 2014); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2043189

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