Vascularized nerve grafts: an experimental study
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 18, 2026
Implantation of Tissue-Engineered Vascular Graft in Mouse Carotid Artery via Cuff Technique
Published on: May 2, 2025
Renato Donzelli1, Crescenzo Capone1, Francesco Giovanni Sgulò1
1a Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosciences , Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University " Federico II" School of Medicine and Surgery , Naples , Italy.
Objective:
The aim of this study is to define an experimental model in order to promote the functional recovery of the nerves using grafts with vascular support (Vascular Nerve Grafts - VNG). The aim of this study is to define, on an experimental model in normal recipient bed, whether the functional recovery with VNG is superior to that obtained non-vascularized graft (NNG).
Methods:
Twenty male rabbits, which underwent dissection of sciatic nerve, were later treated by reinnervation through an autograft. In 10 animals the reconstruction of sciatic nerve was realized with VNG; in 10 control animals the reconstruction of sciatic nerve was realized with NNG.
Results:
The VNG group showed a better axonal organization and a significantly higher number of regenerated axons in the early phases (after 30 days) than the NNG group, whereas the difference in the axonal number at day 90 was less significant; besides, the axon diameter and the myelin thickness were not significantly improved by VNG group.
Discussion:
Our data suggests that the use of VNG leads to a faster regeneration process and a better functional recovery, although the final results are comparable to those of the NNG. VNG improve the quality of the axonal regeneration (axonal diameter and Schwann cells), although the increase in the axonal number is not significant and does not improve the long-term functional outcome.
