Guides for Nerve Regeneration Across Gaps

Abstract

In a total of 31 rats and 15 cats, nerve gaps up to 3 cm. long were bridged by cylindrical blood clots sheathed in artery or collagen tubing. Large amts. of leukocytes (buffy coat) were added to the interiors of some clots to improve their liquefying potency, and various types of fine artificial fibers were embedded lengthwise in others. Excellent regeneration was obtained in most blood bridges, with or without fiber cores. If used, such cores must be firmly anchored to both nerve stumps. In many cases, results were functionally and histologically equal to those after orthodox end-to-end anastomosis.