Ethyl-cyanoacrylate is acutely nontoxic and provides sufficient bond strength for anastomosis of peripheral nerves

J Biomed Mater Res A. 2009 Sep 1;90(3):750-4. doi: 10.1002/jbm.a.32137.

Abstract

Anastomosis is a common technique for the union of severed nerve trunks. This is commonly performed with sutures, a process that can be both time consuming and injurious to tissue. One promising alternative to suturing is the use of adhesives to join the severed segments. Cyanoacrylate-based glues have been used clinically as a surgical adhesive for soft tissues. However, the acute effects of these glues on nerve electrophysiology and the tensile strength of the rejoined tissues have not been evaluated. Using a guinea pig model, we analyzed the mechanical properties of transected sciatic nerves repaired with epineural application of ethyl-cyanoacrylate and the short term consequences of cyanoacrylate application on impulse conduction. Results showed that nerves coapted with ethyl-cyanoacrylate were capable of bearing in vivo forces. Additionally, no acute effects on conduction were observed in uninjured sciatic nerves exposed to ethyl-cyanoacrylate. In conjunction with long term in vivo reports from literature, the current results support the use of cyanoacrylates in nerve repair.

MeSH terms

  • Anastomosis, Surgical / methods*
  • Animals
  • Cyanoacrylates / therapeutic use*
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Materials Testing
  • Mechanical Phenomena
  • Peripheral Nerve Injuries
  • Peripheral Nerves / surgery*
  • Sciatic Nerve / injuries
  • Sciatic Nerve / surgery
  • Tissue Adhesives / chemistry*

Substances

  • Cyanoacrylates
  • Tissue Adhesives
  • ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate