Experimental study of nerve regeneration in a biodegradable tube made from collagen and polyglycolic acid

The authors developed a novel bioabsorbable nerve conduit to induce nerve regeneration across long gaps. It is a composite tube made of polyglycolic acid mesh coated with collagen. Seven cats underwent 25 mm resection of the left sciatic nerve. The proximal and distal nerve stumps were inserted into the tube and fixed with sutures to bridge the 25 mm gap between them. Histologic examination 4 months after implantation of the tube showed regeneration of nerve tissue structure, including myelinated axons and Schwann cells, and somatosensory evoked potentials and electromyograms demonstrated functional recovery of the regenerated nerves. Horseradish peroxidase staining revealed restoration of anterograde and retrograde axonal transport. These results indicate that this polyglycolic acid-collagen composite tube is promising as a nerve conduit that provides adequate nerve regeneration.