Splint-like element for use in end-to-end nerve suture

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Disclosed is a splint-like element for use in endto-end nerve suture to eliminate tension at the anastomosis site and thus allow optimal coaptation between the nerve ends to be sutured. The element comprises an elongated body made of a material that is rigid and slightly resilient and is biologically acceptable, such as silicone The body is long, enough to have one end attachable to the epineurium of one of the nerve ends by at least one but preferably two longitudinally spaced-apart sutures, and another end attachable to the epineurium of the other nerve end also by at least one but preferably two other longitudinally spacedapart sutures. The element also comprises pieces of reinforcing …