# Novel optical coherence tomography tool development for quantitative peripheral nerve imaging

> **NIH NIH OT2** · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · 2020 · $867,029

## Abstract

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.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10225151
- **Project number:** 3OT2OD025306-01S2
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Benjamin James Vakoc
- **Activity code:** OT2 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $867,029
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2018-05-10 → 2023-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10225151

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10225151, Novel optical coherence tomography tool development for quantitative peripheral nerve imaging (3OT2OD025306-01S2). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10225151. Licensed CC0.

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