Nerve repair device and method of use
Inventors
HORAVA, Sarena • Kim, Yoojeong • Singh, Anant
Assignees
Triton Systems Inc • Government of the United States of America
Publication Number
US-11109865-B1
Publication Date
2021-09-07
Expiration Date
2038-07-23
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Abstract
A device may include a shaft with a dispensing channel, an evacuating channel, a proximal end, and a distal end. The device may further include an enclosure attached to the distal portion of the shaft, the enclosure having a first portion and a second portion that form a bore when the enclosure is closed. The device may further include a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft, which is configured to open and close the enclosure. A method of delivering a solution to a nerve repair site may include obtaining such a device, closing its enclosure around the nerve repair site, delivering one or more solutions through the dispensing channel to the nerve repair site, removing one or more solutions through the evacuating channel from the nerve repair site, and opening the enclosure to remove it from the nerve repair site.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a nerve repair device and a method for its use. The device comprises a shaft featuring both a dispensing channel and an evacuating channel, a distal enclosure with a first and second portion that together form a bore to surround a nerve repair site when closed, and a handle at the proximal end to open and close the enclosure. The dispensing channel allows delivery of a solution directly to the nerve repair site, while the evacuating channel allows removal of the solution, isolating treatment to the desired nerve segment.
The problem addressed is the limited success of current peripheral nerve injury (PNI) repair methods, which rely on slow, natural regrowth processes, do not effectively enhance axonal regeneration or limit degeneration, and lack effective localized delivery of therapeutics. Existing approaches, including PEG fusion and application of neurotrophic factors, require precise application of solutions directly to the repair site, but there is a need for a device that can deliver and isolate such treatments to the nerve segment while facilitating safe handling and minimal damage.
The invention therefore solves these problems by providing a device that safely encloses the nerve repair site, enables controlled, localized solution delivery and evacuation, and offers structural features—such as flexible sealing materials and optional clamping mechanisms—for secure handling of nerve tissue during repair. The method describes obtaining the device, closing the enclosure around the nerve repair site, delivering and removing solutions through the respective channels, and opening the enclosure to remove the device without damaging the treated nerve.
Claims Coverage
The patent claims include three independent claims, each defining specific inventive features regarding the device structure and its method of use for nerve repair.
Device for nerve repair with shaft, enclosure, channels, and handle
A device comprises: - A shaft with both a dispensing channel and an evacuating channel, having a proximal and a distal end. - An enclosure attached to the distal end of the shaft; the enclosure consists of a first and second portion, which together form a bore when closed. - Both enclosure portions comprise a flexible material to seal the enclosure around a lumen, wherein the lumen is a nerve repair site. - A handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft, configured to open and close the enclosure.
Method for delivering a solution to a nerve repair site using the device
A method includes: 1. Obtaining a device as described, having shaft, enclosure, and handle features. 2. Closing the enclosure around the nerve repair site so that it occupies the bore. 3. Delivering a solution through the dispensing channel to the nerve repair site. 4. Removing the solution through the evacuating channel from the nerve repair site. 5. Opening the enclosure to remove it from the nerve repair site.
Method for repairing a severed nerve with clamp and bar assembly
A method includes: 1. Obtaining a device having a bar, a shaft slideably engaged with the bar, an enclosure with dispensing and evacuating channels, a handle to open and close the enclosure, a first and second clamp engaged with the bar, and a locking mechanism. 2. Engaging the distal end of the first clamp with a first portion of the severed nerve, and the second clamp with a second portion. 3. Sliding the clamps along the bar to position nerve portions adjacent, forming a repair site; locking the clamps in place. 4. Closing the enclosure around the nerve repair site. 5. Delivering and removing a solution through the respective channels. 6. Opening the enclosure and releasing the clamps from the nerve portions.
The claims broadly cover a device for nerve repair featuring enclosed, channel-based solution delivery and evacuation at the nerve repair site, as well as methods for using the device for localized therapeutic application and repair procedures involving optional clamping and locking mechanisms for precise nerve alignment and treatment.
Stated Advantages
Allows localized, controlled delivery and removal of solutions to the nerve repair site, isolating treatment to the desired nerve segment.
Reduces preparation and treatment time by enabling rapid setup, tailored device sizes, and use in easy-to-use kits with prefilled syringes.
Improves ease of use and surgical technique, offering low-profile designs and remote handle operation that enable access to deeper nerves.
Provides secure yet gentle handling of nerves, using flexible sealing materials and features that prevent compression or damage during repair.
Enhances the efficiency and efficacy of nerve repair processes.
Documented Applications
Applied during the surgical repair of peripheral nerves for delivering and evacuating therapeutic solutions at the nerve repair site.
Used with PEG-fusion protocols and similar therapeutic procedures requiring local administration of agents to promote nerve regeneration and survival.
Adaptable for use with a variety of nerves, from small digital nerves to large nerves such as the sciatic nerve, by scaling device and clamp sizes.
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