Peripheral nerve repair with bioresorbable prosthesis.
Using the transected sciatic nerve model in adult mice, regeneration of a large bundle of axons organized into the form of a nerve with myelinated and unmyelinated axons, Schwann cells, fibroblasts, collagen, blood vessels, and connective tissue sheaths has been achieved with bioresorbable microtubular guidance channels over gaps of 5 mm in nonimmobilized animals. After 4-6 wks postoperatively, the regenerated nerve cable contains on the order of 40% as many myelinated axons as were measured in the proximal nerve stumps. With the channels used so far in this model, regenerating axons pass into the distal stump in about 3-6 wks postoperatively. The guidance channels used consist of synthetic polyesters and/or polyester composites including glycolic and lactic acid polymers, and polyesters derived from Krebs Cycle dicarboxylic acids. Inflammatory response to these materials has been minimal. Biodegradation/resorption rates can be controlled so as to be compatible with axon growth rates.
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D011091:Polyesters; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011091:Polyesters