Oregon Health & Science University · Biomedical EngineeringImaging Innovations for Surgical Precision
Summer Lynne Gibbs · Portland, Oregon
Research Focus
Dr. Summer Lynne Gibbs leads a research lab focused on developing innovative imaging tools to help surgeons better visualize cancerous tissues and critical nerves during surgery, particularly for prostate and cranial nerve procedures. Using advanced fluorescence guided surgery (FGS) techniques, the lab aims to create specially designed fluorescent probes that can distinguish between tumor and nerve tissues, improving surgical outcomes and reducing complications for patients. Their work addresses critical limitations in current surgical technologies to ensure safer and more effective surgeries.
fluorescence guided surgerycancer surgerynerve visualizationprostatectomycranial nerve preservationfluorophore developmentcolorectal cancersurgical outcomesintraoperative imagingneurosurgery
Research Aims
5AIM 01Develop nerve-specific fluorescent probes for cancer surgeries.
AIM 02Improve intraoperative visualization of tumors and nerves during prostatectomy.
AIM 03Enhance cranial nerve preservation in skull base surgeries using novel imaging agents.
AIM 04Evaluate the pharmacology and toxicology of new fluorescent agents.
AIM 05Identify and optimize lead probes for clinical application.
Skills the Lab Values
fluorescence microscopysynthesis of small moleculesanimal modelsimmunohistochemistrydrug formulationpharmacologytoxicology studiessurgical techniquesrobotic surgeryspectroscopy