BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Current methods of peripheral nerve cutting are highly unsatisfactory. Imperfect cutting plane directly influences the effect of nerve anastomosis. For precise rejoining of cut nerve stumps directly, or to bridge large gap with autologous nerve graft, the surfaces of nerve stumps must be even and perfectly matching. Actual methods still do not provide such undisturbed pathway for regenerating fibers. In this study, we examined the in situ morphological properties of peripheral nerves cut with an innovative device. METHODS: Rat and rabbit sciatic nerves were cut with the carbonmetal coated blade with bioactive surface mounted on the highspeed dental drill. Transected nerves were subjected to immediate analysis of the plane surface. It was performed using the scanning electron microscope, and standard H-E as well as Masson-trichrome stainings of the serial transverse sections. Analysis was performed by two experienced certified histopathologists. RESULTS: The procedure provided a section area devoid of unevenness or shreds of epineurium or perineurium. Moreover, individual axons seemed to be cut smoothly. The scanning electron microscope images showed the transected axons arranged paralelly to the main axis as well as other undisturbed components of the nerve (i.e. blood vessels and Schwann cells). Also, there was no thermal damage of the cutting plane. CONCLUSION: This technique holds a promise for the development of a minimally invasive alternative approach that utilizes already available technology and equipment, with cutting plane allowing for perfect matching of nerve stumps subjected for rejoining.
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