MEDICAL SCENE

Steel tube
aids in
regrowth
of nerves

A hollow stainless steel tube that
can be implanted in the body may
be the hope of the future in treat-
ing damaged nerves.

Scientists at the University of
Cincinnati Medical Center, after
testing the device in rats, say they
are confident that it not only will
help in good nerve positioning but
that it also will overcome some of
the major obstacles to healthy nerve
regeneration.

The developers are William E.
Kuhn, research associate professor
in the department of materials
science and metallurgical engineer-
ing, where the steel implants are
being produced, and Dr. James L.
Hall, professor in the anatomy
department.

They say that the implant should
hold the traumatic effect of surgical
repair to a minimum. Moreover, ani-
mal studies thus far indicate that
the prosthesis should minimize the
effect of scar tissue, prevent abnor-
mal regrowth in the nerve stumps,
and permit escape of fluids.

The research has been concentrated on the peripheral nerves of rats. But after a series of successful tests in a higher order of laboratory animals, the investigators say, clinical testing in human beings would be justified.

The tube's diameter and length
are varied to fit the size of the nerve.
A tube for repair of the rat's sciatic
nerve is ½ in. long and has an in-
ternal diameter of 1 mm. It serves
as a "home" or pathway of growth
during the period of regeneration
of the nerve.

The hollow stainless steel implant, tailored to fit the damaged nerve for which it serves as a "home."

University of Cincinnati scientists, Dr. James L. Hall (left) and Professor William E. Kuhn, developers of the implant designed to serve as a pathway of growth for torn nerves.

Professor Kuhn and Dr. Hall use
a vacuum technic to draw the nerve
ends into the best position for heal-
ing. The implant is allowed to re-
main in place for a period of 85 to
100 days.

Modern Medicine 138 February 19, 1973

CM