[The employment of synthetic biodegradable polymers in reconstructions of the peripheral nerves]

In this study we presented the possibility of using a synthetic biodegradable polymers to production a conduits employ in reconstructions of the peripheral nerves in experimental studies and medical practice. The aliphatic polyesters are most common used to this purpose. The poly(phosphoesters) and polyurethanes are used rather rare. In study we presented experiences of many authors in employment of the following polymers in experimental conditions. The obtained results were also described. The cases of clinical using of artificial nerve conduits from PGA--polyglycolic acid and PLCL--poly(DL-lactide-epsilon-caprolactone) were also described. Only PGA and PLCL marked as GEM Neurotube and Neurolac were approved to commercial production. The basic aspects of operating technique during reconstructions with artificial nerve conduits and causes of potential failure in microsurgical reconstructions were described. Still existing limitations in employment of artificial nerve tubes were emphasized and the directions of future progress in studies were presented. The possibility of establish of molecular weight of polymers building a tube scaffold and porosity and degradability of the wall create a chance to production an optimal in clinical applications artificial nerve tube.