A Pilot Study on the Novel Non-invasive Nerve-Holder with Negative-pressure Suctions

Abstract

In performing neurosurgical operation on peripheral nervous system, the most important first step is to robustly hold the target nerve, since the nerve-holding stability and reliability significantly affect the result of surgical operation. However it is not straightforward to robustly hold peripheral nerve during the surgical operation, because the peripheral nerve is too flexible and slippery. In this study, we design a novel peripheral nerve-holder that can be used for the neurosurgical operation. Considering the anatomical characteristics of the peripheral nerve that small bundles of nerve fibers (i.e., fascicles) are structured inside the outermost layer of the nerve bundle (i.e., epineurium), we aim to develop a non-clamping and non-invasive type nerve-holder to protect the nerve fibers. For the aim, the negative-pressure suction method is applied to the proposed holder. And, in order to hold the nerve more robustly, micro-bump structure is fabricated on the suction surface contacting with the nerve. This paper introduces the concept, working principle, characteristics, and in-vitro experimental results on feasibility evaluation of the proposed holder.