New dissolvable implant can relieve pain without the need for drugs

Although physical pain is not as much of a problem in the modern world as it used to be, many people live in pain due to their chronic pain. In this direction, research on painkillers continues. New research from Northwestern University provides pain relief without the need for drugs.

Soluble implant works well in mice

The research team led by Professor John A. Roger of Northwestern University has invented a new implant. The soluble implant cools the nerves and reduces pain. The prototype implant developed by the team showed positive results in mice.

Produced with recycling supported and biocompatible elastomer, the implant draws attention with its 5mm thickness. One end of the prosthesis is wrapped around the peripheral nerve that needs to be surgically silenced, while the other is connected to the pump located outside the body. If pain is felt, the implant pump pumps nitrogen gas and perfluoropentane refrigerant to the area where the pain is felt. While nitrogen gas is pumped through one channel, the liquid refrigerant comes from another channel. Nitrogen gas allows the cooling liquid to evaporate quickly and reduces the pain felt by cooling the nerves in the area where the pain is felt.

The implant dissolves in the body within a few weeks.

Since the nerves can be permanently damaged in case of overcooling, the implant constantly measures the degree of the nerve with the temperature sensor. The prosthesis is designed to reduce post-operative pain and for permanent use. Thanks to the materials from which the implant is produced, the implant dissolves in the body by itself without the need for a second operation. Thus, the implant disappears on its own a few weeks after its placement.