Calcium-Free Nerve Storage Solution for Axonal Viability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for storing and treating nerve grafts prior to axon repair do not effectively prevent Wallerian degeneration of distal axonal segments, leading to slow and poor recovery of motor and sensory functions in patients with nerve gap defects.
Innovation Solution
A calcium-free nerve storage solution comprising sodium chloride, sodium acetate, sodium gluconate, potassium chloride, and magnesium chloride, with specific osmolarity and pH ranges, is used to maintain axonal viability and function, potentially combined with polyethylene glycol (PEG) fusion for nerve repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If standard organ storage solutions (e.g., UW solution) are used for nerve grafts, then structural integrity is maintained, but axonal function and viability deteriorate rapidly due to Wallerian degeneration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of storage solutions by removing calcium ions and adjusting osmolarity to hypotonic levels (250-255 mOsm/L). This parameter change prevents calcium-dependent Wallerian degeneration while maintaining axonal structural integrity and function for extended periods up to 9 days.
2Loss of time
If nerve grafts are stored ex vivo for extended periods, then surgical scheduling flexibility improves, but axonal viability deteriorates due to progressive Wallerian degeneration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-treating nerve grafts with calcium-free hypotonic storage solution before transplantation. This pre-treatment prevents the initiation of Wallerian degeneration, allowing nerve grafts to be stored ex vivo for extended periods (up to 9 days) while maintaining axonal viability and function.
3Quantity of substance
If calcium-containing storage solutions are used, then osmotic balance is maintained, but Wallerian degeneration is triggered leading to axonal deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts calcium ions from the storage solution to eliminate the harmful trigger of Wallerian degeneration. By removing calcium while maintaining hypotonic osmolarity (250-255 mOsm/L), the solution prevents calcium-dependent degenerative pathways while preserving axonal structure and function.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to defined solutions for organ (heart, liver, kidney, etc,) vascular composite allografts or autografts (VCA: hand, limb, face, etc.) or tissue (peripheral nerves, spinal cord, skin) storage that preserve the electrophysiological functions of axons contained therein. The disclosure also concerns the use of isolated peripheral nerve segments and solid organs preserved in the defined solutions in autograft or allograft transplantation procedures, as well as the use of isolated peripheral nerve segments and solid organs preserved in the defined solutions in autograft/allograft transplantation procedures in combination with the peripheral nerve repair techniques of neurorrhaphy and axonal fusion primarily using polyethylene glycol known as PEG-fusion.