Method and system for distraction neurogenesis
AssigneeAxsonus LLC
InventorsJason Bourgeois, Michael L. Wach, Frank Lau
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
To achieve in vivo repair of severed mammalian nerve tissue, a system can be employed to induce distraction neurogenesis. At least a portion of the system can be anchored at an injury site, such as between distal and proximal nerve ends. The system can be attached to the proximal nerve end and can place the nerve under micro-tension for an extended period of treatment. The system may also deliver medication or treatment to encourage neurogenesis and to reduce pain in the subject receiving treatment. After the course of treatment, the device can be removed from the injury site, and the nerve ends rejoined.
Claims15
A system for stimulating nerve growth in a vertebrate, comprising:
- a housing that is configured for implanting in the vertebrate and attachment to tissue of the vertebrate, that encloses a space, and that comprises an aperture;
- a reel disposed in the enclosed space;
- a line extending through the aperture and having a first end coupled to the reel and a second end configured for surgical attachment to an end of a nerve of the vertebrate;
- a drive disposed in the enclosed space and operably coupled to the reel;
- and
- a pump system for delivery of one or more pharmaceutical agents or other treatment modalities to the nerve.
A distraction neurogenesis system comprising:
- a reel;
- a line comprising a first end operably coupled to the reel and a second end configured for attachment to an end of a nerve for distraction;
- a coupler;
- a drive that the coupler couples to the reel, wherein the drive comprises a regulator configured to apply at least one selected level of distraction to the end of the nerve as the nerve undergoes neurogenesis in response to said distraction;
- and
- a pump system for delivery of one or more pharmaceutical agents or other treatment modalities to the nerve.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.