PURPOSE: This study evaluated autogenous nerve grafts and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) and collagen tubes as conduits for the repair of continuity defects in the facial nerve of rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The buccal division of 24 facial nerves was isolated, transected, and separated 10 mm. The gap between the 2 nerve ends was then repaired with an autologous nerve graft or an e-PTFE or collagen conduit. Fifteen days and 1, 2, and 4 months after the procedure, the animals were subjected to electrophysiologic tests, killed, and the nerves were removed for histologic examination. RESULTS: At 15 days postsurgery, no regeneration was observed through the e-PTFE and collagen tubes or across the autologous nerve grafts at the midpoint of the specimens. However, regeneration across the chambers and autologous nerve grafts was seen in the following 4 months, although the number of axons regenerated was small. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study indicate that e-PTFE and collagen tubing may be effective in the repair of continuity defects in peripheral nerves. However, further research will be necessary for generalization of this procedure.
PURPOSE: This study evaluated autogenous nerve grafts and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) and collagen tubes as conduits for the repair of continuity defects in the facial nerve of rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The buccal division of 24 facial nerves was isolated, transected, and separated 10 mm. The gap between the 2 nerve ends was then repaired with an autologous nerve graft or an e-PTFE or collagen conduit. Fifteen days and 1, 2, and 4 months after the procedure, the animals were subjected to electrophysiologic tests, killed, and the nerves were removed for histologic examination. RESULTS: At 15 days postsurgery, no regeneration was observed through the e-PTFE and collagen tubes or across the autologous nerve grafts at the midpoint of the specimens. However, regeneration across the chambers and autologous nerve grafts was seen in the following 4 months, although the number of axons regenerated was small. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study indicate that e-PTFE and collagen tubing may be effective in the repair of continuity defects in peripheral nerves. However, further research will be necessary for generalization of this procedure.
Authors: Fuat Baris Bengur; Conrad Stoy; Mary A Binko; Wayne Vincent Nerone; Caroline Nadia Fedor; Mario G Solari; Kacey G Marra Journal: Tissue Eng Part B Rev Date: 2021-04-13 Impact factor: 7.376
Authors: Ricardo Ferreira Bento; Raquel Salomone; Silvia Bona do Nascimento; Ricardo Jose Rodriguez Ferreira; Ciro Ferreira da Silva; Heloisa Juliana Zabeu Rossi Costa Journal: Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol Date: 2014-05-23