Imaging Fibrosis in Peyronie’s Disease with Photoacoustic Ultrasound

Nearly 1 in 10 men are affected by Peyronie’s Disease (PD), a disorder that occurs when excessive scarring builds up in the penis leading to abnormal curvature, pain, and erectile dysfunction. Currently, a photograph of the patient’s erect penis is used to measure the curvature angle, which can be very inaccurate and can be both physically and psychologically uncomfortable for patients. Although some treatments for PD exist, the limitations in assessing PD have made it difficult for doctors to know select the most effective treatment plan. We will employ a cutting-edge imaging technique called photoacoustics (PA) that can directly measure scarring of the penis. We will examine how PA imaging can be used to study PD patients undergoing treatment. Our goal is to help doctors at St.Michael’s Hospital and beyond caring for PD patients improve the quality of life for the 1.7 million Canadians affected by this disease.

Faculty Supervisor:

Yonah Krakowsky

Student:

Partner:

Unity Health Toronto

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

University of Toronto

Program: