Method and apparatus for stimulating nerve regeneration

摘要

A method is provided for stimulating nerve growth, especially for nerve regeneration after damage to the nerve. The method comprises: applying thermal energy to one or more nerve segments adjacent a damaged region of the nerve, such that nerve fibers from the treated adjacent segment are stimulated to grow and extend toward the damaged region. The method may be used to enhance mechanical stimulative effect at a terminus of a severed nerve or a region of nerve injured by crush or other physical forces. The method may also be used to treat nerve segments retrograde up the nerve fiber and to increase the response of the injured nerve to regrowth and extension rapidly. An apparatus for delivery of thermal energy to the distal terminus of the severed nerve or region is disclosed. Thermal conductive or electromagnetic energy is delivered through a probe having a handle and a shaft. An energy delivery portion of the probe is configured to apply thermal energy to the distal segments of the severed nerve to promote rapid and more extensive growth of the nerve cells.