title: Continuous alteration of the internal milieu of a nerve-guide chamber using an osmotic pump and internal exhaust system.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Lahey Clinic, Burlington, Massachusetts 01805, USA.
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Hekimian
authors.forename: B R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Seckel
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Bryan
authors.forename: K K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Chakalis
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bailey
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D011095:Polyethylenes