Evaluation of collimated polarized light imaging for real-time intraoperative selective nerve identification in the human hand.

Intraoperative peripheral nerve lesions are common complications due to misidentification and limitations of surgical nerve identification. This study validates a real-time non-invasive intraoperative method of nerve identification. Long working distance collimated polarized light imaging (CPLi) was used to identify peripheral radial nerve branches in a human cadaver hand by their nerve specific anisotropic optical reflection. Seven ex situ and six in situ samples were examined for nerves, resulting after histological validation, in a 100% positive correct score (CPLi) versus 77% (surgeon). Nerves were visible during a clinical in vivo observation using CPLi. Therefore CPLi is a promising technique for intraoperative nerve identification.

Inside Front Cover: Polarized-Light-Emitting Quantum-Rod Diodes (Adv. Mater. 11/2005).

Polarized-light-emitting quantum-rod diodes have been successfully produced using thin layers of quantum rods oriented by a rubbing technique, as shown on the inside cover. Hikmet and co-workers report on p. 1436 that diode emission at 620 nm with a luminance efficiency of 0.65 cd A-1 and an external quantum efficiency of 0.49 % is obtained. Light emitted polarized parallel to the long axis of the rods is 1.5 times more intense than that polarized perpendicular to the rods.

Polarized-Light-Emitting Quantum-Rod Diodes.

For the first time, polarized-light-emitting quantum-rod diodes have been successfully produced, using thin layers of quantum rods oriented by a rubbing technique. Diode emission at 620 nm with a luminance efficiency of 0.65 Cd A-1 and an external quantum efficiency of 0.49 % is obtained.