Hydrogel for More Effective Nerve Repair Without Sutures
- IP Title
- Nerve Repair with a Hydrogel and Adhesive
- Detailed Technology Description
- None
- Application Date
- Sep 15, 2010
- Application No.
- 9,386,990
- Others
-
- *Abstract
-
Restores Severed Nerves by Promoting Nerve Tissue Repair
This fibrin and polyethylene glycol hydrogel effectively repairs nerves without the need for sutures. The peripheral nervous system is an extensive network of nerves responsible for movement and bodily sensations.Every year in the U.S. alone, more than one million people suffer significant nerve injury. Nerve injuries are a major source of chronic disability and, without proper management, can lead to neuronal death, muscle atrophy and permanent functional deficit. Success after surgical repair is highly dependent on the realignment of the nerve elements. Unfortunately, the conventional method of repair with sutures comes with many limitations and complications such as inflammation, fibrosis, and scar formation. Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a technology that restores severed nerves without sutures. This breakthrough can be used to effectively restore the continuity of nerves interrupted by disease, traumatic events, or surgical procedures.Applications
More effective repair of damaged nerves without the need for sutures
Advantages
- Repairs nerves without sutures, eliminating the tissue trauma associated with traditional techniques
- Promotes nerve tissue repair, resulting in greater functional recovery
- Utilizes the application of a hydrogel to the repair site, helping to direct nerve regeneration
- Effectively restores nerve to nerve and nerve to graft connections, increasing its applicabilityto a wide range of procedures, especially in the repair of small and inaccessible nerves
- Encases the damaged nerve, preventing abnormal nerve fiber growth
- Combines a hydrogel with a fibrin glue, providing a stronger and more permanent union between nerve ends
Technology
The most common surgical approach to nerve repair is to rejoin the severed ends with sutures. Researchers at the University of Florida discovered a better alternative by using a PEG hydrogel and a fibrin glue to repair damaged nerves. With this development, the nerve stumps are first aligned and rejoined with the fibrin glue. Next, the nerve union is reinforced and the nerve encased by the hydrogel. The fibrin glue provides the surgeon ample opportunity to approximate and secure the nerve ends, is rapidly degraded and resorbed, does not interfere with nerve regeneration, and prevents seepage of the subsequently applied hydrogel into the nerve interface. The hydrogel is highly adhesive and ensures a strong, long-lasting nerve coaptation is achieved without piercing or compressing the nerve tissue. It also prevents regrowing nerve fibers from growing out from the repair site and minimizes fibrosis and neuroma. Together, the combined properties of fibrin glue and hydrogel enhances nerve repair and reduces pathological and dysfunctional nerve regeneration.
- *IP Issue Date
- Jul 12, 2016
- *IP Publication Date
- Jun 9, 2011
- *Principal Investigator
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Name: David Muir
Department:
Name: Debbie Neubauer
Department:
Name: James Graham
Department:
- Country/Region
- USA
