Methods and Systems for Preventing Neuroma Formations

摘要

In some embodiments, a method includes identifying a nerve extending across a transection path; administering a cooling therapy to the identified nerve at a location proximal to the transection path so as to degenerate the identified nerve across the transection path prior to or during surgical transection along the transection path, wherein cooling the identified nerve prevents or reduces neuroma formation at a transected end of the nerve after transection of the nerve. In some embodiments, a method includes degenerating a portion of a nerve while preserving a connective tissue framework of the nerve. During or after the degeneration, the preserved connective tissue framework may be transected at a transection location distal to the treatment location. The regeneration of the nerve may be repeatedly disrupted for a period of time to reduce a regenerative rate of the nerve and delay neuroma formation.