Nerve Connector Overflaps for Axonal Growth Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current end-to-side neurorrhaphy techniques face challenges such as undesirable axonal growth into surrounding areas, leading to symptoms like soft tissue attachments and painful neuromas, and require additional measures to direct axonal growth effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of nerve connectors with lateral splits or cut-outs creating overflaps, which can be placed around the recipient nerve to secure the donor nerve stump, thereby directing axonal growth and reducing unwanted side effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the raw or open distal nerve stump is attached to the recipient site, then axonal growth can occur, but random axon growth outside the nerves causes soft tissue attachments and painful neuromas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connector device as an intermediary structure between the donor nerve stump and recipient nerve. This connector includes a tubular body with a lumen that receives the donor nerve and overflaps that wrap around the recipient nerve, creating a controlled interface that directs axonal growth from the donor to the recipient nerve while preventing random axonal growth into surrounding tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible membrane structures (overflaps) made of biocompatible materials that wrap around the recipient nerve. These flexible shells create a confined space that guides axonal regrowth along the intended path from the donor nerve to the recipient nerve, preventing axons from growing into non-target areas while maintaining compatibility with the surrounding tissue.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a connector device is used to cover and isolate the coaptation site, then undesired axonal growth is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connector device into distinct functional segments: a tubular body portion that receives the donor nerve, overflaps that wrap around the recipient nerve, and suturing elements that secure the connection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while simplifying the overall design and assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the nerve coaptation, isolates the coaptation site from surrounding tissues, directs axonal growth along the intended path, and reinforces the connection between nerves. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices and simplifies the overall surgical procedure.
3Reliability
If the distal nerve stump is sutured to the recipient nerve, then nerve function can be maintained, but healing time increases without proper axonal growth direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary actions during the surgical procedure by pre-positioning the connector device with the donor nerve stump inserted into the tubular body and the overflaps already configured to wrap around the recipient nerve. This preliminary arrangement establishes the correct anatomical relationship and growth direction before the nerve sutures are tied, thereby accelerating the healing process by eliminating the need for subsequent adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
The problem of attaching a donor nerve stump to a recipient nerve for an end-to-side coaptation is solved by the use of a tissue connector. The tissue connector can have a body for receiving the donor nerve stump and one or more overflaps for attaching the tissue connector with the donor nerve stump therein to the epineurium on the side of the recipient nerve. Sutures can also be used to secure the tissue connector and nerves in place.