Microdevice components for a cellular microsurgery suite

Abstract

We describe microfabricated tools that will enable cellular microsurgery for direct repair of injured nerves leading to restoration of function. Our proposed neural repair strategy uses a suite of novel microfabricated tools to cut, manipulate, align and then reconnect individual axons (nerve cell processes) with micron-scale precision. Each of these functions has been individually demonstrated using prototype devices. Additionally, we have developed assembly techniques to integrate the required tools onto a single, 3D multifunctional MEMS platform, designed to facilitate the semi-autonomous execution of all of the required surgical functions in proper sequences.