Groundbreaking therapy to accelerate nerve healing after surgery

(HORIZON) – As part of a groundbreaking research initiative, a plastic surgeon at Horizon’s Saint John Regional Hospital (SJRH) has become the first in Atlantic Canada to use a leading-edge therapy that promotes nerve regeneration after surgery, ensuring improved patient outcomes.

Dr. Alison Wong and her team recently completed their first procedure using PeriPulse, a bioelectronic therapy system developed by Canadian-based nerve care company Epineuron Technologies.

The device delivers electrical stimulation directly to a damaged peripheral nerve for one hour during or immediately following surgery.

“When a nerve is repaired, it is not like hooking up a wire; instead, it heals slowly from the location of repair,” said Dr. Wong. “Typically, nerves heal at a speed of one inch per month, so it can take months or years to reach muscle and skin to restore movement and sensation. Stimulating the nerve through bioelectronic therapy can significantly improve the recovery timeline.”

PeriPulse is based on pioneering research from the University of Alberta that explored how electrical stimulation can help nerve recovery. The system is designed to be easy to use and fit smoothly into surgery routines.

Early evidence shows significant sensory improvement in most patients who have used PeriPulse. A recent study found nearly 88 per cent of treated patients reported significant sensory improvement six months after, when compared with pre-surgery.

“We are proud to be collaborating with Epineuron Technologies to bring this game-changing therapy to New Brunswick,” said Greg Doiron, Horizon’s VP Clinical Operations. “A made-in-Canada solution like PeriPulse will allow us to provide advanced care to our patients.”

The innovative nerve regeneration system received Health Canada approval in late 2024. Epineuron continues to expand its clinical data through ongoing trials across Canada and the U.S., including one at SJRH focusing on nerves within fingers.

“The first PeriPulse procedure by Dr. Wong is an outstanding clinical milestone. This procedure is more than just a technical success; it represents a powerful stride toward redefining the standard of care for patients with peripheral nerve injury,” said Sergio Aguirre, CEO of Epineuron. “Our deepest gratitude goes to the entire clinical research team for their expertise in executing this critical step toward better patient recovery and improved quality of life.”

Dr. Wong notes they are recruiting more participants into the study and want to complete at least 10 procedures at SJRH as part of the clinical trial. She added they hope to expand the therapy to other types of nerve injuries in the future.

Cutting-edge procedures such as PeriPulse support Horizon’s strategic pillar of delivering excellence in hospital care by transforming the delivery of clinical care to meet evolving health care needs.

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