Novel optical coherence tomography tool development for quantitative peripheral nerve imaging

周围神经作为中枢神经系统（CNS）和其远端神经系统之间的双向联系， 目标的自主神经系统（ANS）是周围神经系统的一部分， 支配内脏器官以调节它们的功能，并将感觉信息传回 CNS。通过选择性刺激ANS神经，可以实现靶器官的神经调节。 目前正在研究神经调节的许多治疗应用，以缓解 疾病和条件。深入了解神经解剖学和神经实时信息 手术或神经调节过程中的健康对于成功的结果至关重要。的 目前用于绘制神经解剖图和评估神经损伤的方法是终点组织学， 由于难以获得无受试者变异性的时间生物学反应， 伪影，以及过度刺激和损伤表现之间的滞后。因此，必须发展 实时定量成像工具来评估神经结构和功能。 本计画的目标是发展以光学相干断层扫描为基础的周围神经 影像学技术研究躯体神经和自主神经的结构和功能。我们将使用 OCT的特定优势，特别是获得内在对比度测量的能力及其深度 切片能力，以验证用于标测周围神经解剖结构的新工具，并定义新的 神经调节和神经损伤的成像生物标志物。我们将部署OCT系统， 研究人员扩大受益于我们工具的潜在神经应用。成功的努力 将改变神经调节器械的评估和部署方式， 更有效的治疗和更好的患者结果。

Peripheral nerves serve as a bidirectional link between the central nervous system (CNS) and its distal targets. The autonomic nervous system (ANS), which is part of the peripheral nervous system, innervates internal organs to modulate their function and transmits sensory information back to the CNS. By selectively stimulating the ANS nerves, neuromodulation of target organs can be achieved. Numerous therapeutic applications of neuromodulation are currently under investigation to relieve diseases and conditions. In-depth knowledge of neuroanatomy and real-time information on nerve health during surgical or neuromodulation procedures are essential for successful outcomes. The current method for mapping neuroanatomy and evaluating nerve injury is end-point histology, which is limited by difficulty in obtaining temporal biological responses absent subject variability, processing artifacts, and the lag between overstimulation and injury manifestation. Thus, it is imperative to develop real-time quantitative imaging tools to assess nerve structure and function. The goal of this project is to develop optical coherence tomography (OCT) based peripheral nerve imaging technology to study the structure and function of somatic and autonomic nerves. We will use specific advantages of OCT, particularly the ability to derive intrinsic contrast measures and its depth sectioning capability, to validate novel tools for mapping peripheral nerve anatomy and define new imaging biomarkers of neuromodulation and nerve injury. We will deploy OCT systems to SPARC investigators to expand the potential nerve applications that benefit from our tools. A successful effort will transform the manner in which neuromodulation devices are assessed and deployed, leading to more effective therapies and better patient outcomes.