Analysis of porcine nerves as ex vivo model for upper limb neuro-electrode implantation studies

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Abstract In upper limb amputees implantation of prostheses equipped with electrodes to innervate respective musculature might improve sensitivity and life quality. Besides different types of prostheses being available, there is still a need for devices that provide more comfort and functionality to patients. Prior to prosthesis implantation magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound are suitable methods for imaging peripheral nerves but are limited in description of nerve dimension. Using X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro- CT) exact dimensions of nerves can be obtained. However, since ex vivo micro-CT analysis on human nerves is rarely possible, the underlying study analyzed whether porcine nerve tissue is comparable to human nerve tissue and thus suitable for nerve electrode implantation studies. Therefore, micro-CT analysis was performed at 10 different proximal to distal sections of porcine Nervus ulnaris, Nervus medianus and Nervus radialis to determine the diameters of nerves and fascicles (n = 1). The diameters of the porcine Nervus ulnaris, Nervus medianus and Nervus radialis were 2.99 ± 0.28 mm, 4.40 ± 0.38 mm and 7.89 ± 0.98 mm, respectively. The diameters of the human Nervus ulnaris, Nervus medianus and Nervus radialis were measured at 10 different regions using a caliper and were 2.93 ± 0.71 mm, 3.65 ± 1.06 mm and 2.94 ± 1.11 mm, respectively (n = 2). Fascicular diameters of porcine Nervus ulnaris, Nervus medianus and Nervus radialis were 0.22 ± 0.09 mm, 0.26 ± 0.06 mm and 0.29 ± 0.07 mm, respectively. Our preliminary results showed that nerve diameters were similar between pigs and humans. Espcially, further analyses of porcine Nervus ulnaris, Nervus medianus and Nervus radialis are necessary to conclude whether porcine nerve tissue is suitable for electrode implantation studies.

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