Protecting Nerves During Surgery

GE Global Research is developing a new nerve labeling agent and imaging system to enable surgeons to see delicate nerve endings that are prone to damage during certain procedures.

Nerve damage during prostate cancer surgery, for instance, is common and can result in lost potency or incontinence problems. Researchers at the Niskayuna, N.Y.-based company have developed an initial fluorescent imaging agent and a prototype imaging system to "light up" most nerves in the body.

The work is being funded through a $4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. More information is available at ge.com/research.

--Joseph Goedert