Free vascularized nerve grafts: an experimental study in the rabbit.
An experimental animal model of a vascularized graft is presented as an alternative to recover faster function. The technique is described and the model compared to a conventional graft in the sciatic nerve of a rabbit. Results are evaluated with histological studies and quantified using a computer to measure the thickness of the myelin sheath as a correspondence factor of regeneration. Results showed a more favorable regeneration when a vascularized graft was used.
D000818:Animals; D001808:Blood Vessels; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000098:blood supply / Q000637:transplantation*; D011817:Rabbits; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014650:Vasa Nervorum