Nerve Treatment Device With Fluid Containment for PEG-Fusion Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices fail to create an isolated fluid containment field for topical delivery of pharmaceutical solutions to nerves, protect surrounding tissues, and facilitate PEG-fusion without damaging the anastomosis.
Innovation Solution
A nerve treatment device with a containment chamber and flexible apertures forms a fluid field around the nerve, allowing controlled application and removal of PEG solutions, protecting surrounding tissues and preserving the anastomosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high concentration PEG (50% w/w) is used for nerve fusion, then nerve repair effectiveness is improved, but surrounding tissues and uninjured nerve segments are damaged due to exposure to high concentration PEG
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the treatment area into isolated segments using a containment chamber with fluid-tight seals. The chamber creates distinct compartments that allow high concentration PEG to be applied only to the injured nerve segment while preventing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues through sealed apertures and barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies high concentration PEG locally only to the injured nerve segment within the containment chamber. The sealed apertures and fluid-tight barriers ensure that the harmful high concentration PEG is confined to the specific treatment zone, preventing damage to surrounding tissues while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness at the target site.
2Ease of operation
If a containment device is placed around the nerve for PEG administration, then controlled delivery to the nerve is achieved, but the device may disturb or damage the recently sutured nerve anastomosis
Solution Approach 1:
The containment device utilizes flexible, compliant materials for the chamber and sealing structures that can conform to the nerve anatomy without exerting excessive mechanical stress. The flexible design allows the device to adapt to the sutured nerve while maintaining fluid-tight seals, preventing damage to the delicate anastomosis during PEG administration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates cushioning elements and compliant sealing mechanisms that are designed beforehand to protect the sutured nerve anastomosis. The flexible barriers and seals are engineered to distribute mechanical loads evenly, preventing concentration of stress on the delicate sutured areas during device placement and PEG delivery.
3Reliability
If the containment chamber is sealed tightly to prevent PEG leakage, then fluid containment is improved, but it becomes difficult to remove the device without disturbing the fused axons
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism incorporates dynamic, reversible sealing elements that can be actively opened or deactivated during device removal. The seals are designed to maintain fluid-tight containment during PEG administration but can be dynamically released to allow safe device withdrawal without disturbing the fused axons, transitioning from a static sealed state to a dynamic open state.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates preliminary release mechanisms or pre-designed opening paths that are prepared in advance for safe device removal. The sealing structure includes features that allow controlled opening or disengagement before extraction, ensuring that the fused axons are not disturbed during the removal process while maintaining fluid containment during the treatment phase.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device enables effective PEG-fusion by minimizing exposure to surrounding tissues, ensuring rapid nerve recovery and function restoration while preventing damage.
Implementation Method 1
The containment chamber is configured to substantially retain a volume of fluid within the void volume around at least a portion of the isolated segment of the nerve
Implementation Method 2
At least a portion of the first endwall is flexible and configured to be biased in a manner that increases a first width between opposing edges of the first slit so that the nerve may be received through the first slit
Data Source
AI summary
A severed nerve may be surgically rejoined and severed axons fused via sequential administrations of solutions. The solutions may include a priming solution comprising methylene blue in a Ca2+-free saline solution, a fusion solution comprising about 50% (w/w) PEG, and a sealing solution comprising Ca2+-containing saline. The PEG fusion solution may be applied in a nerve treatment device configured to isolate the injured segment of the nerve. The device may include a containment chamber for creating a fluid containment field around the anastomosis. The device may have slits, slots, and/or apertures in opposing endwalls of the device designed to receive the nerve. The device may have an open bath configuration or may include separable lower and upper bodies to create a closed bath configuration. The device may include one or more fluid ports in fluid communication with the containment chamber for introducing and/or removing fluid.