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Proof of concept for multiple nerve transfers to a single target muscle.

ABSTRACT: Surgical nerve transfers are used to efficiently treat peripheral nerve injuries, neuromas, phantom limb pain, or improve bionic prosthetic control. Commonly, one donor nerve is transferred to one target muscle. However, the transfer of multiple nerves onto a single target muscle may increase the number of muscle signals for myoelectric prosthetic control and facilitate the treatment of multiple neuromas. Currently, no experimental models are available. This study describes a novel experimental model to investigate the neurophysiological effects of peripheral double nerve transfers to a common target muscle. In 62 male Sprague-Dawley rats, the ulnar nerve of the antebrachium alone (n=30) or together with the anterior interosseus nerve (n=32) was transferred to reinnervate the long head of the biceps brachii. Before neurotization, the motor branch to the biceps' long head was transected at the motor entry point. Twelve weeks after surgery, muscle response to neurotomy, behavioral testing, retrograde labeling, and structural analyses were performed to assess reinnervation. These analyses indicated that all nerves successfully reinnervated the target muscle. No aberrant reinnervation was observed by the originally innervating nerve. Our observations suggest a minimal burden for the animal with no signs of functional deficit in daily activities or auto-mutilation in both procedures. Furthermore, standard neurophysiological analyses for nerve and muscle regeneration were applicable. This newly developed nerve transfer model allows for the reliable and standardized investigation of neural and functional changes following the transfer of multiple donor nerves to one target muscle.

SUBMITTER: Luft M

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8530510 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:BackgroundMechanical labour induction with a transcervical balloon is as effective as pharmacological methods, with fewer adverse effects. Its use has been limited to labour induction with an unfavourable cervix able to retain the balloon. We have developed an innovative approach using 2-3 balloons side-by-side to extend the benefits of mechanical labour induction/augmentation with a favourable cervix without having to resort to amniotomy or uterotonics.ObjectivesTo assess the effectiveness of side-by-side balloons for extended labour induction/augmentation.MethodsWe conducted a single arm proof of concept trial at Princess Marina Hospital (PMH) in Gaborone, Botswana. Participants were assessed as unsuitable for single balloon labour induction based on a modified Bishop cervical score of 7 or more. Three Foley catheters taped symmetrically side by side were passed through the cervix and inflated with 60mls each. Traction was applied with a weight of 250mls water suspended over the bed-end. The use of uterotonics, time from induction to birth, mode of birth, Apgar scores and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes were recorded. Participants' satisfaction with the method of labour induction was assessed using a descriptive scale.ResultsWe enrolled 20 participants of whom two were nulliparous. Indications for labour induction were mainly late term (70%) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (25%). The mean cervical score was 7.2. Overall, 17 (85%) of the participants achieved a vaginal birth, of whom 5 required oxytocin for labour augmentation. Four of these had requested removal of the balloons, one due to discomfort and three felt the process was taking too long. Three participants underwent caesarean birth. The mean time from initiation of labour induction to vaginal birth was 16 h (standard deviation (SD) 8.4) and 20 h for caesarean birth (SD 10.5). There were no 5-minute Apgar scores below 7 nor neonatal admissions. One baby required brief resuscitation. There were no adverse maternal outcomes.ConclusionThis proof-of-concept study suggests that use of side-by-side balloons in participants with favourable cervix is effective in achieving vaginal birth in most participants without uterotonics or amniotomy. There were no adverse outcomes, though the study was too small to exclude the possibility of rare adverse outcomes. This offers a novel option for labour induction/augmentation, particularly where uterotonics or amniotomy are best avoided such as prior caesarean birth, vertical infection transmission risk and in settings with limited capacity for fetal surveillance. The results clearly justify larger randomized trials to evaluate this novel approach with greater precision. On the basis of the current study we are developing a purpose-designed balloon for extended balloon labour induction.

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Proof of concept for multiple nerve transfers to a single target muscle.

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