Fast-acting and injectable cryoneurolysis device

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Neurology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Cryoneurolysis is an effective opioid-sparing pain therapy.
• Previous methods achieved pain reduction lasting up to 8 weeks.
• The study aimed to improve cryoneurolysis efficacy by using colder temperatures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test if injecting colder ice slurry accelerates the onset of analgesia.
• To evaluate the duration of pain relief and nerve recovery.
• To assess the nerve selectivity and safety of the cryoneurolysis procedure.

Main Methods:

• Cryoneurolysis performed using colder ice slurry (-9°C) around the rat sciatic nerve.
• Histologic examination using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining.
• Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy to assess myelin sheath integrity.
• Functional tests to evaluate sensory and motor function recovery.

Main Results:

• Rapid onset of reduced mechanical pain sensitivity observed from day 1, lasting up to 98 days.
• No inflammation or scarring in surrounding tissues at day 7.
• Myelin sheath disintegration followed by complete nerve structure recovery by day 140.
• Colder slurry (-9°C) demonstrated faster onset and longer duration of analgesia.

Conclusions:

• Colder slurry cryoneurolysis provides a more rapid and prolonged analgesic effect.
• The nerve-selective approach ensures safety and avoids damage to surrounding tissues.
• This enhanced cryoneurolysis technique shows significant potential for long-term pain management.