Continuous alteration of the internal milieu of a nerve-guide chamber using an osmotic pump and internal exhaust system.
The use of non-neural conduits to span gaps in regenerating peripheral nerves has been noted in the literature for many years. An intriguing addition to this so-called entubulation repair method is the continuous instillation of neuronotrophic or growth factors into the lumen of the guide to bathe the regenerating nerve. A model is presented which uses an osmotic pump that supplies a constant, reproducible amount of solution into the lumen of a nerve guide without disrupting the regeneration process.
Hekimian
K J
KJ
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Lahey Clinic, Burlington, Massachusetts 01805, USA.
Seckel
B R
BR
Bryan
D J
DJ
Wang
K K
KK
Chakalis
D P
DP
Bailey
A
A
D000818:Animals; D004867:Equipment Design; D015918:Infusion Pumps, Implantable; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D011095:Polyethylenes; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery*
D011095:Polyethylenes