Intraoperative identification of peripheral nerve fascicle. Use of a new rapid biochemical assay technique.

An original nerve-identification technique based on the enzymatic activity of choline acetylase enables precise differentiation between motor nerve fascicles and sensory nerve fascicles. Within 70 to 80 minutes, an accurate matching of cut nerve ends is possible, both in recent and in late nerve injuries. Preliminary results of the clinical intraoperative application of this method are encouraging.