Novel Innovative Nerve Enhancing Intravascular Stain Reveals Peripheral Nerves from Cross Sectional Imaging
Natalija Miller1, Joshua McCluskey1, Scott Echols1, Brion Benninger1
1Western University of Health Sciences COMP-NW
Objective:
Objective of this study was to administer a peripheral nerve enhancing stain vascularly, which also has general tissue stain properties, identifying peripheral nerves (PN’s) from cross-sectional imaging.
Background:
PN’s are arguably one of the most important structures for us to preserve as we have not mastered how to repair them to a pre-injury state with consistent positive outcomes compared to arteries. Despite cross-sectional imaging, we still segment the journey of PN’s through gross approximations of interrupted imaging slices. Conventional staining of PN’s occurs upon harvesting. Medical radiology has revealed moderate to large sized PN’s from humans with cross-sectional imaging. Anesthesiologists and pain specialists are in such demand that improving our understanding of PNs prior to anesthetic blocks or surgical intervention is critical.
Design/Methods:
Literature search was conducted regarding PN enhancing stains administered vascularly with subsequent cross-sectional imaging to reveal PNs. Unembalmed donor cadaver and 9 lab rats received the innovative BriteVu stain which enhanced PN’s and tissue from micro-CT scans.
Results:
No known studies were identified regarding nerve tissue stain administered vascularly to donor cadavers and/or rats with cross-sectional imaging demonstrating PN’s. Within 24 hours of administering the BriteVu stain, CT imaging highlighted PNs viewed bilaterally especially from thigh regions. There is a great need for acquiring detailed behavior of small to medium caliber peripheral nerves and their branches. This allows medical artists, clinicians, and anatomists to work with medical technology to accurately segment peripheral nerves to standards not seen previously. It improves high fidelity simulation providing lifelike procedural experiences for healthcare trainees.
Conclusions:
This pilot study was the first to administer and assess nerve enhancing stain vascularly in donor cadaver and lab rats, with general tissue staining properties, revealing PNs from micro-CT scanning. Authors are conducting studies with humans/animals revealing 3D improved PN anatomy.
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