A novel device for minimally invasive harvest of the sural nerve.

The sural nerve is ideal for autologous nerve reconstruction. Traditional open harvest techniques result in a large prominent scar, delayed ambulation and poor patient satisfaction. Accordingly, we have designed a neurotome device to exclusively harvest the sural nerve as a safe and effective alternative to traditional techniques. Five patients underwent sural nerve harvest using our neurotome device. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the preservation of histological nerve architecture when compared to nerves harvested by traditional open technique. Patients who underwent traditional open harvest of the sural nerve were asked to fill out a questionnaire to assess patient satisfaction. Ninety-three percent preferred a shorter scar, 20% complained of difficult ambulation, while 50% found troubling sensory deficits. Patients undergoing sural nerve harvest by our novel technique were satisfied with the cosmetic results and had less difficulty in ambulation. To optimize operative technique, cadaveric dissection of 15 limbs was done to further define the anatomic relationship of the sural nerve to the short saphenous vein. Minimally invasive harvest of sural nerve through our novel technique yields good cosmetic and functional results.