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Long‐term evaluation of nerve regeneration in a biodegradable nerve guide
Author(s) -
Den Dunnen Wilfred F. A.,
van der Lei Berend,
Schakenraad Jeff M.,
Blaauw Engbert H.,
Stokroos Ietse,
Pennings Albert J.,
Robinson Peter H.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
microsurgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.031
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1098-2752
pISSN - 0738-1085
DOI - 10.1002/micr.1920140808
Subject(s) - regeneration (biology) , sciatic nerve , medicine , biomaterial , biodegradable polymer , epineurial repair , nerve fiber , anatomy , biomedical engineering , surgery , materials science , polymer , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , composite material
Nerve regeneration using artificial biodegradable conduits is of increasing interest. The aim of this study is to evaluate the regeneration and maturation of a nerve after long‐term implantation (2 years) of a biodegradable poly‐L‐lactide/poly‐e‐caprolactone (PLLA/PCL) copolymeric nerve guide in the sciatic nerve of the rat. After harvesting, we evaluated both the regenerated nerves and the controls, using light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and morphometric techniques. Remnants of biomaterial were still present after 2 years of implantation, but the foreign body reaction was very mild at this stage, due to the rounded shapes of the polymer debris. Morphometric analysis showed significant differences between the regenerated nerve and the normal sciatic nerve: the number of myelinated fibers is higher, and the mean fiber diameter of the myelinated fibers in the regenerated nerve is smaller. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that the new PLLA/PCL nerve guide can provide optimal conditions for regeneration and maturation of damaged nerves. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss Inc.