# Novel device for the repair and sealing of dural perforations in minimally invasive surgery

> **NIH NIH R43** · PATCHCLAMP MEDTECH, INC. · 2024 · $499,956

## Abstract

Summary: Dura is the fibrous membrane that covers the brain and spine. Perforations in the dura (durotomy)
such as punctures, incisions or lacerations are often encountered during cranial and spinal surgery and require
repair and sealing to prevent serious and occasionally fatal complications related to leakage of cerebrospinal
fluid (CSF). Minimally invasive surgical (MIS) procedures of the brain and spine significantly limit direct repair of
durotomies by traditional methods such as suture or staple closure, due to a combination of restricted working
space and access vectors and limited field of view (constrained deployment), and the often-friable nature of the
perforated dura. PatchClamp MedTech, Inc. is developing novel devices to enable rapid, safe, and immediate
watertight repair and sealing of durotomies encountered during MIS and open craniospinal procedures. A low-
profile, single-hand disposable applicator enables the surgeon to place a tissue or synthetic graft through a
narrow MIS access port onto the inner surface of the perforated dura and secure it in place with a clasp released
onto the outer dural surface. Prototypes using high resolution 3D printed bioabsorbable subcomponents and
commercially available synthetic dural substitutes have provided proof-of-concept. In this proposal, we refine
and test the efficacy of the device under a variety of frequently encountered MIS constraints in vitro and demon-
strate a stable watertight seal in vivo. Ease of application, sealing efficacy and survey feedback from surgeons
deploying the graft in this model will guide sequential modifications and scaling of the device. Aim 1. Assess
mechanical attributes of device components and dural sealing performance in vitro in unconstrained
access. Using clinically relevant burst pressure chamber models, we will assess the following attributes: easy
loading and release of the graft from the applicator, atraumatic passage of the graft through the dural perforation
with rapid re-expansion, precise release of the extradural clasp struts, elastic reformation of the struts against
the membrane after release, measurement of the force applied by the struts to the external surface of the mem-
brane, minimum strut force to maintain stability against lateral movement, and ability to unclasp and re-position
or remove the graft after initial deployment. We will demonstrate that the deployed graft maintains a watertight
seal under escalating pulsatile pressure in comparison to current dural closure techniques. Aim 2. Assess per-
formance in vitro under constrained access conditions. We will assess visualization, access, deployment,
and sealing efficacy compared to current dural closure techniques under constrained access models simulating
MIS approaches using a lumbar soft tissue simulator with both a pressurized acrylic burst chamber as well as a
pressurized spine laminotomy model. Surgeon input will guide design iterations. Aim 3. Demonstrate sealing
performance ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10818254
- **Project number:** 1R43NS135645-01
- **Recipient organization:** PATCHCLAMP MEDTECH, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Marc Robert Mayberg
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $499,956
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-04-19 → 2026-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10818254

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10818254, Novel device for the repair and sealing of dural perforations in minimally invasive surgery (1R43NS135645-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-29 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10818254. Licensed CC0.

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