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Device cools the nerves to overcome pain without drugs

2022-07-01T08:15:55.120Z


To combat pain without drugs, a mini device has been developed that connects to peripheral nerves and cools them in a targeted way, slowing the transmission of painful signals to the brain (ANSA)


To combat pain without drugs, a soft and flexible mini implantable device has been developed, which attaches to peripheral nerves and cools them in a targeted way, slowing down the transmission of painful signals to the brain: made with resorbable materials that self-dissolve in the organism, could represent new hope for the treatment of post-operative pain.

Its effectiveness was tested in mice, in a study published in the journal Science by a research group led by Northwestern University in the United States.

"As engineers, we are motivated by the idea of ​​treating pain without drugs in ways that the patient can turn on and off instantly, while controlling the intensity," says bioengineer John A. Rogers who led the development. of the device.

"Our technology uses mechanisms similar to those that cause numbness in the fingers when they are cold. The implant allows you to produce that effect programmatically and directly on specific nerves."

"As a nerve cools, the signals it carries get slower and slower, eventually coming to a complete stop," adds study co-author Matthew MacEwan of Washington University School of Medicine.

The device is similar to a thin band less than 5 millimeters wide, with a slightly curled end that allows you to hug the nerve without the need for suturing.

Inside it contains a tiny channel with coolant (already approved for clinical use) and a second channel with an inert gas, dry nitrogen.

When the liquid and the gas flow into a common chamber, a reaction occurs which causes the liquid to evaporate, causing the temperature to drop.

At the same time, a tiny built-in sensor monitors the nerve's temperature to make sure it doesn't get too cold so it doesn't cause damage, even to surrounding tissues.

Source: ansa

All tech articles on 2022-07-01

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