New Nerve Repair Device Could Change Surgery Outcomes
A new device allows surgeons to repair nerves without microsutures, potentially reducing trauma to delicate tissue.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Stroke
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TIME has named the COAPTIUM CONNECT system one of its 2026 Best Inventions, highlighting a new technology for repairing digital nerve injuries. This system, which received FDA authorization in 2025, offers a way to join nerves without traditional microsutures.
Why it matters
Traditional nerve repair using microsutures can cause trauma to delicate tissue, complicating recovery. This light-activated, bioabsorbable system aims to improve outcomes by avoiding physical penetration of the nerve.
A clinical study published in the Journal of Hand Surgery followed 10 patients over 12 months, finding that all participants achieved good or excellent sensory recovery with no device-related complications. This was an initial clinical evaluation of the device.
The players
TISSIUM
A developer of bioabsorbable polymers and medical devices based in France and the United States.
TIME
A global media organization that annually publishes a list of the year's top inventions.
The details
COAPTIUM CONNECT employs a light-activated, bioabsorbable polymer to secure nerve ends together. Unlike conventional methods that rely on physical microsutures to bridge a gap, this approach allows for nerve repair without piercing the tissue. By eliminating the mechanical trauma associated with stitches, the system seeks to preserve the integrity of the nerve during the healing process.
Timeline
2013: TISSIUM is founded.
2025: The FDA grants marketing authorization for COAPTIUM CONNECT.
March 2026: Clinical study results are published in the Journal of Hand Surgery.
October 16, 2026: TIME names COAPTIUM CONNECT a 2026 Best Invention.
Health Landscape
This innovation represents a shift in peripheral nerve surgery toward bioabsorbable materials that minimize surgical trauma. It follows the broader trend of adopting light-activated adhesives to replace traditional microsutures in microsurgery.
If you are facing a procedure for a digital nerve injury, you may want to discuss available repair methods with your surgeon to see if bioabsorbable techniques are appropriate for your specific case. Patients should consult their specialist to understand how this technology might influence recovery timelines compared to traditional methods.
The takeaway
The use of light-activated, bioabsorbable polymers may offer a less traumatic alternative to traditional microsuture nerve repair. Patients interested in state-of-the-art options for nerve injuries should ask their surgeon about current repair techniques and the potential benefits of non-penetrating fixation.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest advancements in nerve and neurological care in our Stroke section.
More information
View the TIME best inventions feature article for further details on this technology.
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Do you believe new medical technologies are effectively improving recovery outcomes for patients?
