Biomechanical Testing of a Novel Device for Sutureless Nerve Repair

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Neurosurgery
• Materials Science

Background:

• Conventional nerve repair techniques often result in suboptimal nerve end alignment, potentially leading to poor clinical outcomes.
• Improved nerve coaptation methods are crucial for enhancing functional recovery after nerve injury.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate the biomechanical performance of Nerve Tape, a novel nerve repair device.
• To compare the repair strength of Nerve Tape against traditional microsuture techniques in human cadaveric nerves.

Main Methods:

• Thirty small (2mm) and 30 large (7mm) diameter human cadaveric nerves were transected.
• Nerves were repaired using either Nerve Tape or conventional microsuture techniques.
• Repaired nerves underwent biomechanical testing using a horizontal tensile tester to determine the maximum load-to-failure.

Main Results:

• Nerve Tape repairs of small nerves exhibited significantly higher load-to-failure (2.33 ± 0.66 N) compared to suture repairs (1.22 ± 0.52 N; p < 0.05).
• For large nerves, no significant difference in load-to-failure was observed between Nerve Tape (7.45 ± 2.66 N) and suture repairs (5.82 ± 1.59 N; p = 0.12).
• Failure modes differed, with suture repairs tending to rupture and Nerve Tape failures occurring via microhook pullout.

Conclusions:

• Nerve Tape provides mechanical repair strength equal to or greater than clinically relevant microsuture repairs.
• This novel device demonstrates potential for improving nerve repair outcomes by ensuring better alignment and secure coaptation.