Development of Technology for Preventing Nerve Adhesion and Promoting Nerve Repair Using Tetra-PEG Gel

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K09243
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 56020:Orthopedics-related
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Morizaki Yutaka 東京大学, 医学部附属病院, 病院診療医(出向) (30508099)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 齋藤 琢 東京大学, 医学部附属病院, 准教授 (30456107) ; 酒井 崇匡 東京大学, 大学院工学系研究科(工学部), 教授 (70456151)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 神経癒着

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Surgical procedures dealing with peripheral nerves are broadly classified into decompression and release surgeries for constrictive nerve disorders, and suturing and transplantation for nerve transections. Carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome are prominent examples of constrictive nerve disorders, and numerous surgeries are still being performed today. However, a certain number of cases experience persistent severe pain and abnormal sensations due to adhesion of nerves and surrounding tissues post-surgery. In this study, the Tetra-PEG gel developed by the Graduate School of Engineering at the University of Tokyo was used as an anti-adhesion agent to prevent peripheral nerve adhesions, and its effectiveness was evaluated. The results confirmed that covering with the hydrogel significantly prevented nerve adhesions.

Free Research Field

整形外科

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では、Tetra-PEG-gel技術を応用して、術後の神経癒着を予防する手法を確立し、さらに神経修復促進のための革新的なデバイスを開発することを目指した。
本研究成果は、整形外科領域において、末梢神経障害のみならず、脊椎手術における硬膜癒着に対する手術後の神経癒着を予防する治療法に繋がる可能性がある。さらに、術後患者満足度の上昇や治療期間の短縮、神経障害性疼痛の緩和など社会的意義は大きいと考えられる。