New hydrogel platform technology by Tulavi Therapeutics is bringing new hope to trauma and amputation patients suffering from or at risk of developing symptomatic neuromas
INDIANAPOLIS — After living with severe foot pain for nearly two decades and undergoing multiple unsuccessful procedures, an Indiana woman made the difficult decision to undergo a lower leg amputation in hopes of reclaiming her quality of life. During the procedure, surgeons at OrthoIndy and Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center, an OrthoIndy practice, became the first in Indiana to use Tulavi Therapeutics’ hydrogel platform technology designed to help reduce the risk of neuroma formation following amputation and other nerve injuries.
The combined amputation and peripheral nerve procedure was performed by Dr. Renn Crichlow of OrthoIndy and Dr. Ian Chow of Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center’s Nerve Injury and Limb Pain Program, with the collaboration of Dr. Sameer Puri.
Addressing a painful outcome for many nerve injury patients
When a peripheral nerve is injured or severed during amputation or surgical soft tissue repair, patients may develop symptomatic neuromas – non-cancerous growths that can cause persistent, debilitating pain characterized by hypersensitivity, burning and stabbing sensations at the site of the nerve disruption. Despite advanced surgical techniques, many patients experience chronic phantom or neuroma pain which can significantly impair mobility, prosthetic use and overall quality of life. 1,2,3
During the combined procedure, Dr. Chow utilized Tulavi’s allay™ Hydrogel Cap, a first-in-class, fully absorbable device designed to protect injured peripheral nerves and help prevent symptomatic neuromas from forming. The device fits over the end of the nerve like a protective cap, helping block disorganized nerve regrowth while supporting healing. It gradually dissolves over approximately eight months, staying in place during the time when a neuroma is most likely to develop.4,5
“This is a meaningful addition to the tools we have for managing symptomatic neuromas,” said Dr. Chow, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon fellowship-trained in hand and upper extremity surgery. “By treating the nerve at the time of surgery, before a neuroma forms, we have a better opportunity to reduce pain, improve outcomes and help patients move forward with recovery.”
Following limb removal, Dr. Chow treated multiple nerves to reduce the risk of future neuroma formation, using the allay™ Hydrogel Cap alongside other established techniques and tailoring the approach to the patient’s specific anatomy and needs.
“We found the device performed as expected, helping reduce operating room time and overall surgical complexity,” added Dr. Chow. “Capping the nerve with allay™ is faster than many traditional techniques and less invasive for the patient.”
A collaborative approach to pain prevention
While the first use of the technology in Indiana is significant for potential patient benefits, it also highlights a growing collaboration between OrthoIndy’s orthopedic trauma surgeons and Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center’s nerve specialists.
“This case came to OrthoIndy with a clear concern about neuroma formation, which is where collaboration became essential,” said Dr. Crichlow, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in orthopedic traumatology. “Working closely with our nerve specialists at Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center allowed us to address these issues during the initial surgery, which can have a lasting impact on the patient’s recovery.”
Helping patients return to daily life
The patient, Olivia Sandlin of Carmel, Indiana, says she’s looking forward to a future full of running, hiking, skiing and many other activities.
“After so many years of pain and procedures, choosing amputation wasn’t easy,” said Sandlin. “Access to this new technology makes me hopeful I can recover faster, avoid the nerve pain that’s held me back, get my prosthesis sooner, and return to my work in construction – on my feet and doing what I love.”
Expanding access to specialized nerve care
The collaboration between OrthoIndy’s trauma team and Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center’s Nerve Injury and Limb Pain Program is expected to support broader use of the technology in both trauma and revision cases.
“At Tulavi, a key pillar of our mission is to expand access to essential peripheral nerve surgery,” said Josh Vose, Tulavi CEO. “Seeing allay™ reach patients in need in Indiana is an important step toward making that vision a reality. Progress in patient care happens when innovative technology meets forward-thinking clinicians. It’s incredibly rewarding to work with hospital systems that are committed to bringing the best solutions to their patients.”
“It was truly an honor to support the first allay™ Hydrogel Cap case in Indiana,” said Caitlin Falk, Tulavi sales director. “Seeing the level of collaboration and compassion from Dr. Crichlow, Dr. Chow and Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center’s Dr. Puri reinforced what’s possible when innovative technology meets a team deeply focused on patient outcomes.”
OrthoIndy and Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center will continue to use the allay™ Hydrogel Cap on a case-by-case basis. Patients who believe they may be candidates should consult with their physician.
To learn more about treatment options or to schedule an appointment, visit orthoindy.com or IndianaHandtoShoulder.com. For more information on the allay™ Hydrogel Cap, visit tulavi.com.
Media Contacts:
Brandon Smith, Chief Development Officer at OrthoIndy, P: 317.802.2439, E: [email protected]
—
Animation via Tulavi Therapeutics:
