A new method of nerve bridging with a collagen mesothelial tube

The effectiveness of a collagen mesothelial tube for nerve bridging was investigated in an experimental model of repair of rat sciatic nerves. The right sciatic nerve was cut, the two stumps were reflected and a collagen mesothelial tube was placed in the gap. The rod was removed at 4 weeks after implantation. At this point, the "bridging" was performed with a 10-mm gap (Group M). Two control groups were similarly treated but one with a collagen tube (Group C) and the other with a silicone tube (Group S). Regeneration of the sciatic nerves was assessed using a sciatic function index, by measuring blood flow and by the number of regenerated axons at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after bridging. Group M showed significantly better results with respect to all three assessments. The collagen mesothelial tube used in our study appears to be a promising tool for bridging peripheral nerve defects.