Published on February 26, 2010 at 5:09 AM
The Plastic Surgery Center today announced the successful results of a
rare nerve transfer performed for the first known time on a stroke
patient to reverse paralysis. Following the procedure, which was led by
Dr. Andrew Elkwood, M.D., 47-year old Vincent Filipini is now able to
lift, move and bend his once paralyzed arm. Mr. Filipini continues to
show improvement in his mobility.
Dr. Elkwood commented, “We are extremely pleased with Vinny’s surgery
outcome. In addition to improving his quality of life, his results
portend significant implications for individuals worldwide that suffer
paralysis from a stroke. Given his successful results, we believe there
is a great deal more we can do going forward to restore further function
of paralysis caused by strokes.”
During the procedure, which took place on December 18, 2007, at Monmouth
Medical Center, Dr. Elkwood and a team of doctors took nerves from Mr.
Filipini’s legs and attached them to his paralyzed arm to restore
functionality. The medical team created a nerve tunnel across Mr.
Filipini’s chest to reach his bad arm, in order to run a so-called
“extension cord” through his body and bypass the part of his brain not
working as a result of his stroke. Dr. Elkwood expected it would take
months of recovery and therapy to determine the results, as the nerves
grow approximately one inch per month.
SOURCE The Plastic Surgery Center