Patent attributes
Systems and methods disclosed stimulate nerve growth by applying a tensile (axial pulling) load on a proximal stump of the nerve. This load may be imposed once, at the time of repair. This implementation may be advantageously employed to remove tension away from the repair site, for any number of soft tissues, e.g., nerves, ligaments, tendons, and so on. Alternately, for a larger gap, by progressively elongating a nerve through tensile stimulation, the nerve may regenerate and be fully functional, particularly if elongated at a proper rate. After sufficient regrowth, nerve ends may be reattached, resulting in more complete functional recovery. Two implementations, which have been embodied in prototype devices, also include particularly useful features, one of which uses a screw and clamp with slotted insert design, and the other of which enables the use of sutures or straps to secure the tissue to the clamp.
