Military research at the MHH: System for the preservation of amputated limbs in progress
A team from the Hannover Medical School (MHH) led by Prof. Dr. Bettina Wiegmann and Prof. Dr. Kirsten Haastert-Talini is working on an innovative limb care system that will preserve severed limbs after traumatic amputations until retransplantation. The study was published in Military Medical Research and funded by the German Federal Ministry of Defense.
Traumatic amputations, for example due to traffic accidents or war injuries, are increasing worldwide – in Germany there are about 56,000 cases every year. Only a few specialist clinics offer autologous replantations, in which the limb is sewn back on and made functional. Success depends heavily on the short ischemia time, as amputated limbs survive on ice for only a few hours before a lack of oxygen damages the cells. The researchers want to extend this period of time and increase the chances of success.
The planned system is based on a transportable organ care approach that works with a pump and an artificial blood supply – similar to organ transplants that Wiegmann has already successfully used on the heart and lungs. Tests on large animal models showed that the system can preserve tissue for six hours, even after two hours of warm ischemia. It should also fit as a mobile storage box in emergency ambulances and also be suitable for donor extremities.
A special focus is on nerve regeneration: severed nerves could otherwise become tangled and cause phantom pain. Haastert-Talini plans to adapt the perfusion solution so that it contains pro-inflammatory messenger substances that support nerve deterioration and facilitate reformation – unlike organs where anti-inflammatory agents are used. Next steps include optimizing the solution and extending the perfusion time to allow for longer transport distances. The scientists see a growing need, as studies predict an increase in amputations of over 70 percent by 2025.
Original Paper:
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