New Treatment Method for Facial Nerve Regeneration Without Autologous Nerve Grafting
A new treatment method for regenerating facial nerves without autologous nerve grafting has been developed, showing promising potential for clinical application.
Facial nerve paralysis is a condition where the nerves responsible for moving facial muscles are damaged, causing one side of the face to droop or become immobile. Patients often experience difficulties in moving their eyes or mouth, leading to significant discomfort in daily life. Prolonged symptoms can even result in psychological issues such as depression and social withdrawal.
Current treatments for damaged facial nerves typically involve harvesting nerves from healthy areas of the body for grafting. However, this approach has limitations, including the risk of donor site scars and sensory loss.
To overcome these challenges, a collaborative research team led by a professor from Samsung Medical Centers Department of Otorhinolaryngology and a researcher from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) proposed a novel treatment strategy using biodegradable nerve conduits combined with electrical stimulation in animal models (mice). The nerve conduit is a tubular device that connects the two ends of the damaged nerve, guiding it to regenerate on its own while protecting it from external shocks.
The research team created the nerve conduit from biodegradable materials that naturally decompose within the body, reducing the need for additional surgeries and alleviating the burden of complications at the donor site. Adding electrical stimulation further increased the growth rate of nerve cells. The results demonstrated an active nerve regeneration level similar to that of autologous nerve grafting.
The professor presented this research at the 15th World Congress of Facial Nerve Surgery held in Spain last September, where it was awarded the Best Presentation Award. The World Congress of Facial Nerve Surgery is a prestigious international conference held every four years focusing on facial nerve issues.
The professor stated, "This research lays the foundation for a next-generation nerve regeneration treatment platform that can be expanded beyond facial nerves to include peripheral nerve damage in arms and legs. We aim to improve the quality of life for patients through clinical studies."
Facial nerve paralysis is a condition where the nerves responsible for moving facial muscles are damaged, causing one side of the face to droop or become immobile. Patients often experience difficulties in moving their eyes or mouth, leading to significant discomfort in daily life. Prolonged symptoms can even result in psychological issues such as depression and social withdrawal.
Current treatments for damaged facial nerves typically involve harvesting nerves from healthy areas of the body for grafting. However, this approach has limitations, including the risk of donor site scars and sensory loss.
To overcome these challenges, a collaborative research team led by a professor from Samsung Medical Centers Department of Otorhinolaryngology and a researcher from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) proposed a novel treatment strategy using biodegradable nerve conduits combined with electrical stimulation in animal models (mice). The nerve conduit is a tubular device that connects the two ends of the damaged nerve, guiding it to regenerate on its own while protecting it from external shocks.
The research team created the nerve conduit from biodegradable materials that naturally decompose within the body, reducing the need for additional surgeries and alleviating the burden of complications at the donor site. Adding electrical stimulation further increased the growth rate of nerve cells. The results demonstrated an active nerve regeneration level similar to that of autologous nerve grafting.
The professor presented this research at the 15th World Congress of Facial Nerve Surgery held in Spain last September, where it was awarded the Best Presentation Award. The World Congress of Facial Nerve Surgery is a prestigious international conference held every four years focusing on facial nerve issues.
The professor stated, "This research lays the foundation for a next-generation nerve regeneration treatment platform that can be expanded beyond facial nerves to include peripheral nerve damage in arms and legs. We aim to improve the quality of life for patients through clinical studies."
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