MP74-09 THERMAL IMAGING AS A NON-INVASIVE METHOD FOR ASSESSING ERECTILE FUNCTION

Abstract

You have accessJournal of UrologySexual Function/Dysfunction: Evaluation II1 Apr 2018MP74-09 THERMAL IMAGING AS A NON-INVASIVE METHOD FOR ASSESSING ERECTILE FUNCTION Alexandria Hertz, Evalyn George, Amanda Reed-Maldonado, Timothy Brand, and Shashikumar Salgar Alexandria HertzAlexandria Hertz More articles by this author , Evalyn GeorgeEvalyn George More articles by this author , Amanda Reed-MaldonadoAmanda Reed-Maldonado More articles by this author , Timothy BrandTimothy Brand More articles by this author , and Shashikumar SalgarShashikumar Salgar More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2018.02.2393AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES There are few objective measures to determine penile blood flow and erectile function. However, finding a non-invasive, easy-to-perform method would be beneficial for objective clinical evaluation in addition to research models. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and quality of thermal imaging in assessing penile blood flow in a rat model. METHODS Twelve 10-week old Lewis rats were divided into two groups (n=6 rats/group): 1) bilateral cavernous nerve and internal pudendal bundle injury and 2) sham operation (laparotomy without injury). Six weeks following the original surgery the rats underwent cavernous nerve stimulation with a bipolar electrode. Thermal imaging was performed before, during, and after stimulation. The images were then compared visually as well as the temperature of the penis during stimulation was recorded. Intracavernous pressure (ICP) was recorded in these groups for a comparison measurement. RESULTS On subjective visual assessment, the sham group had visibly evident erections on plain photography (6 out of 6 rats). This translated well with visibly evident change on thermal imaging. The injury group did not show evidence of erectile function (0/6 rats) and minimal temperature change was noted on thermal imaging from baseline. When comparing temperature during stimulation, the sham group had a significantly higher temperature (31C vs 28.65C, p=0.05). When comparing the thermal temperatures to the ICP there was poor correlation, with temperature showing inconsistent change (p=0.11). CONCLUSIONS Thermal imaging appears to be a promising non-invasive, easy-to-use method for evaluating changes in penile blood flow and erectile function. Further evaluation in a larger population with larger target anatomy, will help to better assess this modality for clinical application in the future. © 2018FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 199Issue 4SApril 2018Page: e1003 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2018MetricsAuthor Information Alexandria Hertz More articles by this author Evalyn George More articles by this author Amanda Reed-Maldonado More articles by this author Timothy Brand More articles by this author Shashikumar Salgar More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...