Transplantation of a vascularized pedicle of hemisected spinal cord to establish spinal cord continuity after removal of a segment of the thoracic spinal cord: A proof-­of-­principle study in dogs

This study investigates a novel surgical method for treating spinal cord injuries (SCI) in dogs, focusing on restoring motor function by removing scar tissue and bridging the spinal cord gap. The procedure involves removing a 1 cm segment of the thoracic spinal cord, followed by transplanting a vascularized pedicle of hemisected spinal cord from the caudal end to bridge the gap. The use of polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a fusogen is explored to promote membrane fusion and nerve regeneration at the transplantation site, enhancing the restoration of electrophysiological connection.

• 1
  Motor function was partially restored in dogs that underwent the transplantation procedure with PEG treatment, as evidenced by the re-establishment of anatomic continuity and axonal sprouting.
• 2
  Neuroimaging (DTI) showed nerve fiber tracts passing through the graft in the TRANSPLANT+PEG group, indicating a restoration of continuity that was not evident in the control group.
• 3
  Electron microscopy revealed a greater amount of new myelin and healthy axons in the TRANSPLANT+PEG group compared to the TRANSPLANT group, where demyelination and axonal atrophy were more pronounced.