Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods for effective nerve repair. In a preferred embodiment, the subject invention provides nerve repair methods comprising the use of a fibrin glue and a polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel to coapt severed nerve stumps or nerve grafts.

Abstract: A keratin hydrogel matrix serves as an effective acellular scaffold for axonal regeneration and facilitates functional nerve recovery.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a nerve regeneration conduit including a resorbable tube having a matrix therein. The matrix is characterized by substantially parallel, axially aligned pores extending the length of the matrix. The matrix is formed by the axial freezing of a slurry having little or no significant radial thermal gradient during the freezing process. The matrix is used to bridge the gap between the severed ends of a nerve and provide a scaffold for nerve regeneration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the compositions and methods of preparing hydrogel-grafted nerve guides for peripheral nerve regeneration. Particularly, the present invention describes the nerve guides and methods for preparation of hydrogel-grafted nerve guides with encapsulated neurotrophic factors and a nanofiber mesh lining the inner surface of the guide. The present invention also provides methods for peripheral nerve repair using these hydrogel-grafted nerve guides.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to compositions and methods for promoting repair of damaged nerve tissue. The compositions and methods of the subject invention can be employed to restore the continuity of nerve interrupted by disease, traumatic events or surgical procedures. Compositions of the subject invention comprise one or more chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG)-degrading enzymes that promote axonal penetration into damaged nerve tissue. The invention also concerns methods for promoting repair of damaged nerve tissue using the present compositions and nerve tissue treated according to such methods. The invention also pertains to kits for nerve repair.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for treating an injured or severed nerve pathway, wherein one or more microporous tubes are implanted into the nerve pathway to bridge the injured or severed region. A bioactive matrix including stem cells and nutrients is disposed within the microporous tube to facilitate growth of the stem cells and reestablishment of the sensory and motor conductive pathways through the injured or severed region. The microporous tube protects the bioactive matrix during development of the stem cells, and also retains the end regions in proper alignment during the nerve pathway regeneration.

Abstract: A keratin hydrogel matrix serves as an effective acellular scaffold for axonal regeneration and facilitates functional nerve recovery.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for treating an injured or severed nerve pathway, wherein one or more microporous tubes are implanted into the nerve pathway to bridge the injured or severed region. A bioactive matrix including stem cells and nutrients is disposed within the microporous tube to facilitate growth of the stem cells and reestablishment of the sensory and motor conductive pathways through the injured or severed region. The microporous tube protects the bioactive matrix during development of the stem cells, and also retains the end regions in proper alignment during the nerve pathway regeneration.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to the therapeutic use of certain GAG-degrading enzymes, and enzyme combinations, to promote nerve repair and regeneration.

Abstract: To provide a method for the manufacture of a nerve regeneration-inducing tube being excellent in pressure resistance, shape recovery property, anti-kink property, film exfoliation resistance, property of prevention of invasion of outer tissues and leakage resistance. The present invention is a method for the manufacture of a nerve regeneration-inducting tube in which the outer surface of the tubular body knitted with a plurality of ultrafine fibers comprising biodegradable polymer is coated by application of a collagen solution for plural times to coat and then collagen is filled in the inner area of the above tubular body, characterized in that, viscosity of the collagen solution which is firstly applied on the outer surface of the tubular body is made 2 cps to 800 cps or, preferably, 5 cps to 200 cps. Preferably, viscosity of a collagen solution to be applied later is made high as compared with that of the firstly-applied one.

Abstract: A hollow fibrous conduit for promoting regeneration of a severed nerve, comprising a first end for coapting the conduit to a first end of a severed nerve and second end for coapting the conduit to a second end of the severed nerve, the hollow fibrous conduit comprising chitosan-poly(caprolactone) fibers. Methods for making the conduit and methods for using the conduit for nerve regeneration.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bioartificial guidance conduit formed by coaxially stacking a plurality of discs and the method for forming the same, wherein each disc contains at least one penetrating hole, and at least one penetrating hole on adjacent discs connects with each other while discs coaxially stacked, so as to run through the formed bioartificial guidance conduit.

Abstract: Devices and methods for protecting the neurovascular structures about the vertebral column are provided. One embodiment of the invention comprises a neuroprotective stent or device adapted for placement in an intervertebral foramen of a vertebral column and configured to resist compression or impingement from surrounding structures or forces. The stent or device may further comprise a flange or hinge region to facilitate attachment of the device to the vertebrae or to facilitate insertion of the device in the foramen, respectively.

Abstract: The disclosure describes methods of winding collagen fiber to make medical constructs and related collagen fiber tube and patch devices.

Abstract: The technical field of the invention is the manufacture of surgical equipment implantable in the human body. The invention concerns a device for protecting nerves (2) and/or tendons (3) located in a canal zone (13) of the human body, normally closed by a ligament (1) and which is opened during a surgical procedure. The invention is characterized in that the device includes at least a plate (10) whereof the dimensions enable its insertion between the edges of the ligament, and in particular whereof the length is compatible with the distance separating the edges (11) of the ligament (1) after the cut performed during the surgical procedure, and whereof one face (102) includes a sliding surface and the other face (101) a adhering surface, the plate (10) is preferably convex with two curvilinear sides parallel in the direction transverse to the sides corresponding to the cut edges (11) of the ligament (1).

Abstract: A bioresorbable fibrin-based nerve repair conduit produced from tissue glue is disclosed. The nerve repair conduit may be in the form of a sheet or a tube, and may additionally comprise a serine protease, and/or Factor XIII and/or calcium ions. The serine protease is chosen from the group consisting of trombin, plasmin, elastases, and plasminogen activators, or combinations thereof. The nerve repair conduit may moreover be loaded with Schwann cells and/or Stem cells and/or growth factors, for better nerve regeneration. Further, a method of producing the above-mentioned nerve repair conduit is provided, comprising curing fibrinogen and serine protease containing fluids in the form of a fibrinogen-containing tissue glue, in a mould equipped with a central shaft creating a channel in the nerve repair conduit when removed. Moreover, use of a fibrinogen-based tissue glue for the preparation of a fibrin-based nerve repair conduit is described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a porous material conduit and a method for preparing the same, wherein the porous material conduit includes a porous material basal body and one or more conduit-shaped structures formed in the porous material basal body by laser, and method includes the steps of providing a porous material basal body and injecting a laser beam there into, so as to form a conduit-shaped structure in the porous material basal body to obtain a desired porous material conduit, thereby overcoming the drawback of damages to the porous material basal body caused by an uneven force applied when employing a conventional hole drilling technique. Moreover, a plurality of conduit-shaped structures in a multidirectional intersecting alignment may be easily obtained by adjusting relative displacements and varying the injection angle, of the laser beam with respect to the basal body and of the laser beam.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bio-electrospinning technique for preparing a cell-containing, oriented, continuous tubular scaffold, made of biodegradable polymer, designed for use as a nerve guide conduit (NGC) in nerve regeneration. With a coaxial spinneret, the PC-12 cell medium solution was co-electrospun into a core of tubular fibers, with PLA on the outer shell. The resulted fibers' morphology was characterized via SEM and optical microscopy, and following structural characteristics were found: 1. the larger, hollow fibers had diameters in tenth of microns and wall thicknesses around few microns, 2. an orientation in a preferred direction with the aid of a high-rotating collection device. The fluorescent PC12 cells embedded within the scaffold were cultured and nerve growth factor was added. We observed cells could not only survive the process, but also sustain their viability by undergoing differentiation process, extending neurite along the micro tubular scaffold in the desired direction.

Abstract: A neural guide (1) apt to receive a pair of nerve stumps (N1, N2) to allow nerve regeneration therethrough, comprising a first (2) and a second half-shell member (3) closeable the one on the other so as to define therebetween a longitudinal seat (4) having a cylindrical geometry, said seat having a widened central section (43) for nerve regeneration and two spherical side sections (44, 45) for making the gluing points

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting two elongate body tissues is described. A flexible outer surface has a first outer end longitudinally spaced from a second outer end. A flexible inner surface has a first inner end longitudinally spaced from a second inner end. A first end aperture is defined by a flexible connection between the first outer end and the first inner end. The first end aperture is configured to accept a first elongate body tissue. A second end aperture is defined by a flexible connection between the second outer end and the second inner end. The second end aperture is configured to accept a second elongate body tissue. The outer and inner surfaces are configured for relative eversion operative to longitudinally shift an instantaneous midpoint of the apparatus with respect to a reference location on the inner surface. A method of using the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nerve regeneration-inducing tube in which nerve is inserted into a tubular structure and can be easily sutured and fixed without resort to any special instruments or operations, thereby allowing nerve cells to efficiently proliferate and grow in the correct direction. The nerve regeneration-inducing tube of the present invention includes: a tubular structure (A) made of a biodegradable material or a bioabsorbable material and provided inside with a matrix (B) having linear nerve-inducing channels and being made of a biodegradable material or a bioabsorbable material; and a definite space part provided at one end of the tubular structure (A).

Abstract: Nerve regeneration devices are provided with improved rates of axonal regeneration, and methods for their manufacture are also disclosed. The devices are formed from a biocompatible, absorbable polymer, known as poly-4hydroxybutyrate. Growth factors, drugs, or cells that improve nerve regeneration may be incorporated into the devices. The devices are administered by implantation preferably without the use of sutures. In one aspect, the device is in the form of a wrap that can be used easily to capture the severed nerve bundle ends during surgery, and formed into a conduit in situ. If desired, the edges of the wrap can be melted together to seal the conduit, and hold it in place A major advantage of the device is that it does not need to be removed after use since it is slowly degraded and cleared by the patient's body, yet remains functional in situ beyond the time required for nerve regeneration, and helps exclude scar tissue.

Abstract: A medical device comprises a tubular body having a lumen and a long axis; and a plurality of silk elements laid substantially parallel along the long axis of the lumen of the tubular body. A method of manufacturing the medical device comprises forming the tubular body and introducing the silk elements into the lumen of the tubular body so as to lie substantially parallel along the long axis of the lumen of the tubular body. The device can be used in a method for the regeneration of nerve cells comprising the implantation of a medical device at a site for regeneration of nerves.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a nerve guide that allows the axons to develop fairly freely during regeneration. For this purpose, the nerve guide is produced based on a shaped body from a cross-linked, resorbable, gelatin-based material. The shaped body is a tubular hollow body having a wall with an exterior surface and an interior surface, which wall defines a lumen. The nerve guide comprises a semipermeable layer surrounding the lumen.

Abstract: The device is a tube for placement around a living, human nerve fiber to protect the nerve from external damage. The device includes two concentric tubes, each of which are semi-circular in cross section. The lining tube rotates within the outer tube. Each of the lining tubes has a channel that extends the length of the tube. When the channels of the two tubes are aligned, the spine-protecting device can be slipped over a nerve without injuring the nerve. Once the nerve is safely inside the lining tube, the two tubes can be rotated relative to each other and locked into place, thus forming a protective tube that extends 360 degrees around a section of nerve. This device can be inserted into the opening between the vertebrae through which the nerve extends. Other runs of nerve in the human body can also be protected.

Abstract: An anastomotic device for use in the joining of a first tubular structure and a second tubular structure is provided. The anastomotic device includes a cylindrical sleeve configured and dimensioned for placement at least partially within the first tubular structure, the cylindrical sleeve defining a bore therethrough; an inverting member configured and dimensioned for placement at least partially within the second tubular structure, the inverting member defining a bore therethrough which is configured and dimensioned to selectively receive the cylindrical sleeve therein; and a constricting member selectively positionable on the inverting member and movable onto the cylindrical sleeve when the cylindrical sleeve is at least partially positioned within the bore of the inverting member.

Abstract: An implant for bridging a gap in a severed spinal cord or nerve and for promoting nerve regeneration has a matrix comprising a biocompatible, biodegradable, polymeric material. The matrix has a proximal end for connection to a first end of severed spinal cord and a distal end for connection to a second end of severed spinal cord. The matrix includes internal guidance channels extending between the proximal end and the distal end to facilitate rejoining of the first end and the second end of the severed spinal cord. A bioactive agent may be dispersed in the matrix, or disposed in the channels, or included within microspheres in the channels. The channels may be arranged such that guidance channels correspond to spinal cord tracts. Alternatively, guidance channels may be spaced apart at the proximal end of the matrix and converge inward toward the axis of the matrix at the distal end.

Abstract: A device and method for the treatment of damaged nerves and, more particularly, a tubular membrane having a microtextured surface for the treatment of central or peripheral nerve injuries. The microtextured surface of the tubular membrane inhibits the growth of fibrous tissue, which prevents the reattachment of nerve fiber ends.

Abstract: A method of using a neuro decompression device is disclosed that significantly reduces fibroplasia proximate to nerve tissue. The device used in the method utilizes particular surface topographies to disrupt scar tissue formation around nerves, and may include one or more drugs to influence tissue growth.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of functionally connecting a portion of the peripheral nervous system of a vertebrate to a portion of the central or peripheral nervous system of said vertebrate, comprising the steps of bringing the portion of the peripheral nervous system and the portion of the central or peripheral nervous system close to each other, applying to the gap between the two portions a fibrin glue mixture comprising a growth factor, fibrinogen, aprotinin and divalent calcium ions so that the fibrin glue mixture is simultaneously in contact with the two portions and forming an attachment between the portion of the peripheral nervous system and the portion of the central or peripheral nervous system of said vertebrate.

Abstract: A medical device (1) of a biocompatible material for use in the treatment of a gap or defect in the central nervous system, which device has a proximal end (5) and a distal end (6) comprising openings (7). The device is adapted to enable connection of nerve fibers of gray and white matter between the proximal end (5) and distal end (6) thereof in predetermined openings (7). The device is of a substantially cylindrical form, or a substantially flat or plate like form and is made of plastic. The openings (7) in at least one end (5, 6) bear distinctively different indicia thereby to indicate whether nerve fibers of gray matter or nerve fibers of white matter are to be inserted therein.

Abstract: Presently there are no means to make nerves regenerate across a gap caused by an injury to the spinal cord or peripheral nerves that will lead to neurological recovery. This invention involves the use of a biocompatible and bioresorbable tube that is placed in the gap. The tube is filled with a biocompatible and bioresorbable 3-dimensional matrix. The matrix is a material that induces nerves to regenerate. To improve the potency of the matrix to promote nerve regeneration a combination of factors is infused into the matrix The factors are infused by means of a catheter attached to a subcutaneous pump with its tip placed halfway between the ends of the tube with its other end. This unique device will induce neurological recovery that is presently not possible.

Abstract: The device is a tube for placement around a living, human nerve fiber to protect the nerve from external damage. The device includes two concentric tubes, each of which are semi-circular in cross section. The lining tube rotates within the outer tube. Each of the lining tubes has a channel that extends the length of the tube. When the channels of the two tubes are aligned, the spine-protecting device can be slipped over a nerve without injuring the nerve. Once the nerve is safely inside the lining tube, the two tubes can be rotated relative to each other and locked into place, thus forming a protective tube that extends 360 degrees around a section of nerve. This device can be inserted into the opening between the vertebrae through which the nerve extends. Other runs of nerve in the human body can also be protected.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of peripheral nerve or blood vessel reconstruction requiring the use of a unique connector. The method employs negative gauge pressure, applied through a port on the connector, to draw the ends of the disrupted nerve or vessel into the connector. Next a biocompatible adhesive is used to cement near the ends of the nerve or vessel circumferentially to the inside of the connector wall, leaving the cut ends touching each other but free of the bio-adhesive. After the placement of the bio-adhesive, additional suction is applied to a port in the temporary housing surrounding the porous connector. This draws the nerve or blood vessel to the full diameter of the connector, maximizing the functionality of a healing blood vessel, providing alignment for disrupted tissue, and improving the circulation of blood around a regenerating nerve.

Abstract: Polymeric fibers were microbraided around a mandrel to make a tubular guide tube for nerve regeneration. The polymer used for the fibers was one of poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (10:90 PLGA) and chitosan. These polymers are biodegradable and biocompatible. The tubes were studied for their surface morphology and swelling behavior. Biological performance of the tubes was examined in the rat sciatic nerve model with a 12 mm gap. One month after implantation nine out of ten rats showed successful nerve regeneration. Morphometric analysis of regenerated nerves confirmed the quality of the regeneration compatible with those offered by other types of biodegradable nerve guide tubes. The tubes were flexible, permeable and showed no swelling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical system for repairing severed nerve ends. The severed nerve ends may be located on a single nerve or may be located on a nerve graft and a severed nerve. The surgical system includes a suture having a needle and an expanded tail, a clip, and a retaining member. Methods of repairing severed nerve ends and methods of adjoining severed nerve ends are also disclosed.

Abstract: An implant for bridging a gap in a severed spinal cord or nerve and for promoting nerve regeneration has a matrix comprising a biocompatible, biodegradable, polymeric material. The matrix has a proximal end for connection to a first end of severed spinal cord and a distal end for connection to a second end of severed spinal cord. The matrix includes internal guidance channels extending between the proximal end and the distal end to facilitate rejoining of the first end and the second end of the severed spinal cord. A bioactive agent may be dispersed in the matrix, or disposed in the channels, or included within microspheres in the channels. The channels may be arranged such that guidance channels correspond to spinal cord tracts. Alternatively, guidance channels may be spaced apart at the proximal end of the matrix and converge inward toward the axis of the matrix at the distal end.

Abstract: A reinforcing member or stent (7) is inserted into opposite end portions (1, 1′) of a lacerated tendon and secured within the tendon by adhesive so that tension applied to the tendon is transmitted across the laceration by way of the reinforcing member (7).

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the treatment of articular cartilage defects and disease involving the combination of tissue, such as osteochondral grafts, with active growth factor. The active growth factor is preferably a composition containing at least one bone morphogenetic protein and a suitable carrier. The method results in the regeneration of functional repair of articular cartilage tissue.

Abstract: An implant device including a tubular matrix made of a biocompatible and bioresorbable biopolymeric material. The matrix has a first end and a second end, a wall of a homogeneous thickness; a plurality of ridges on the wall; and a channel which is defined by the wall and extends from the first end to the second end of the tubular matrix.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing severed or unattached soft tissue of the body, such as tendons, typically includes an anchor for engaging the soft tissue and a securement mechanism designed to securely attach the anchor to the soft tissue and to abut the soft tissue against a surface. The surface may be second soft tissue, a bone, or the like. The anchor may be formed as a plate and may include a plurality of apertures formed therein. Selected apertures of the plurality of apertures formed in the anchor may be configured to receive sutures therethrough. Other apertures of the plurality of apertures formed in the anchor may be configured to permit synovial fluid to contact the soft tissue below the anchor. The anchor may also include a plurality of teeth extending generally away from one surface of the anchor in a transverse direction and configured to penetrate soft tissue. Such teeth are typically configured to substantially restrict longitudinal movement between the anchor and the soft tissue.

Abstract: Micropatterned substrates and methods for fabrication of artificial nerve regeneration conduits and methods for regenerating nerves are provided. Guidance compounds or cells are seeded in grooves formed on the patterned substrate. The substrates may also be provided with electrodes to provide electrical guidance cues to the regenerating nerve. The micropatterned substrates give physical, chemical, cellular and/or electrical guidance cues to promote nerve regeneration at the cellular level.

Abstract: A device and method for the treatment of damaged nerves and, more particularly, a tubular membrane having a microtextured surface for the treatment of central or peripheral nerve injuries. The microtextured surface of the tubular membrane inhibits the growth of fibrous tissue, which prevents the reattachment of nerve fiber ends.

Abstract: A multi-channel bioresorbable nerve regeneration conduit and a process for preparing the conduit. The multi-channel bioresorbable nerve regeneration conduit includes a hollow round tube of a porous bioresorbable polymer and a multi-channel filler in the round tube. The multi-channel filler is a porous bioresorbable polymer film with an uneven surface and is single layer, multiple layer, in a folded form, or wound into a spiral shape.

Abstract: An artificial tube for a nerve is disclosed that has a controlled rate of decomposition in the body such that the tube remains in the body until the nerve regenerates, which induces axons regenerated from severed nerve stumps to extend in the proper direction without pressing on the regenerated nerve following nerve regeneration and causes rapid restoration of blood flow by promoting infiltration of blood capillaries from the body to promote regeneration of the nerve, and which comprises a tube (10) or (20) having a coating layer (13) or (23) that is composed of gelatin or collagen on at least the outer surface of tube (11) or (21) that is composed of a material that is biodegradable and absorbable in vivo, wherein a pre-thermal dehydration crosslinking treated collagen fiber bundle (referring to a bundle fibers (31) composed of collagen) is inserted in its lumen along the axis of the tube (10) or (20), and wherein the fibers composed of collagen are coated with laminin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel sulphated compounds of hyaluronic acid and derivatives thereof, optionally salified, wherein the glucosamines are partially N-sulphated or partially N-sulphated and partially or totally O-sulphated in position 6. The compounds of the invention have anticoagulant and antithrombotic activities and are useful in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions and biomaterials and in the production of coatings for biomedical objects.

Abstract: Polymers comprising the subunit 1

Abstract: An implant device including a tubular matrix made of a biocompatible and bioresorbable biopolymeric material. The matrix has a first end and a second end, a wall of a homogeneous thickness; a plurality of ridges on the wall; and a channel which is defined by the wall and extends from the first end to the second end of the tubular matrix.

Abstract: A neural regeneration conduit employing spiral geometry is disclosed. The spiral geometry is produced by rolling a flat sheet into a cylinder. The conduit can contain a multiplicity of functional layers lining the lumen of the conduit, including a confluent layer of adherent Schwann cells. The conduit can produce a neurotrophic agent concentration gradient by virtue of neurotrophic agent-laden microspheres arranged in a nonuniform pattern and embedded in a polymer hydrogen layer lining the lumen of the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical device of a polymer composition. The composition has a first component obtained by copolymerizing a norbornene monomer and an ethylene monomer, the first component being in an amount from about 1-99% by weight of the composition; and a second component of an ethylene and &agr;-olefin copolymer, the &agr;-olefin having 6 carbons, the second component being in an amount from about 99% to about 1% by weight of the composition.