"Plastic" without a scalpel
Molecular surgery will allow you to change the shape of the nose and ears without incisions
Sergey Kolenov, Hi-tech+
The new technique will make plastic surgery quick and painless. Including such popular ones as correcting the shape of the nose and ears. In addition, it will help treat joint diseases.
Incisions after surgical operations require a long recovery period and often lead to the formation of scars. A team of American researchers, whose work is described in the press release of the American Chemical Society 'Molecular surgery' reshapes living tissue with electricity but no incisions, proposed an alternative solution - "molecular surgery", which allows you to change the shape of living tissue without dissecting it.
The technique is based on the physical properties of cartilage tissue. Cartilage consists of intertwined rigid collagen fibers, as well as other proteins and sodium ions. Proteins carry a negative charge, while ions carry a positive charge. The more charged particles there are in the cartilage, the tougher it is. The researchers found that when a current passes through the cartilage, water is electrolyzed in this tissue. The resulting ions neutralize the negative charge of proteins, making the cartilage more plastic. Such flexible cartilage can easily be given the desired shape.
The technique was tested on rabbit ears, which usually stand upright. A frame was put on the animal's ear, giving it the desired shape, and then an electrode with microneedles was inserted into it and a current was conducted. The fabric softened and then hardened into a new shape, which remained even after the removal of the frame. To achieve a similar result, the surgeon would have to cut the skin and cartilage, and then reconnect them.
The authors of the development note that it is ideal for plastic surgery – for example, changing the shape of the nose and ears. The process can be carried out under local anesthesia, and it will take no more than five minutes. Other possible applications include the treatment of joint problems.
Currently, researchers are collaborating with manufacturers of medical equipment to create effective "electric scalpels". They also plan to scale the technique to correct defects in other collagen tissues, such as tendons or cornea.
Cornea before and after vision correction using molecular surgery – VM.
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