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Peripheral Nerve Reconstruction with Bioabsorbable Polyphosphazene Conduits

Experimental Surgery Dept., Istituto di Ricerca Codivilla-Putti I.O.R., Bologna, Italy

M. Fini

Experimental Surgery Dept., Istituto di Ricerca Codivilla-Putti I.O.R., Bologna, Italy

M. Rocca

Experimental Surgery Dept., Istituto di Ricerca Codivilla-Putti I.O.R., Bologna, Italy

L. Martini

Experimental Surgery Dept., Istituto di Ricerca Codivilla-Putti I.O.R., Bologna, Italy

R. Giardino

Experimental Surgery Dept., Istituto di Ricerca Codivilla-Putti I.O.R., Bologna, Italy

P. Caliceti

Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Padova, Padova, Italy

F. M. Veronese

Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Padova, Padova, Italy

S. Lora

Institute of Photochemistry and High Energy Radiations, C.N.R., Legnaro, Padova, Italy

M. C. Maltarello

Cellular Biology and Electron Microscopy Lab., Istituto di Ricerca Codivilla-Putti L.O.R., Bologna, Italy

Tubes of poly[bis(ethylalanato)phosphazene], obtained by evaporating the polymer around a 1.3 mm diameter capillary, were evaluated as guides for nerve regeneration in an experimental animal model. In six Wistar rats, under general anesthesia and with microsurgical technique, the ischiatic nerve was bilaterally isolated. On the right side, a segment was removed to create a defect of 10 mm, that was repaired with the conduit; on the left side the defect was repaired with harvested nerve segment from the right side. Controls at 30, 90, 180 days showed slow and gradual absorption of the conduit without signs of local or general toxicity. Nerve fiber regeneration in the conduits was not significantly different from that obtained with autologous grafts. Polyphosphazene conduits may be considered effective as a guide for nerve regeneration mainly in the perspective of using the polymer matrix as a carrier for neurite-promoting factors.

Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers, Vol. 12, No. 1, 3-13 (1997)
DOI: 10.1177/088391159701200101


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