There is currently interest in the use of tube-shaped nerve guides to induce regeneration of severed peripheral nerve axons, to assist nerve growth in the correct directions and to provide protection for the regenerating nerves. In the present paper, preliminary studies on the degradation and biocompatibility of a new elastomeric polyurethane (PU), based on polycaprolactone, polyethylene glycol and 1,6-hexamethyl diisocyanate. The PU elastomer was evaluated in vivo for the repair of a 12-mm femoral nerve gap in rabbits. Histological and scanning electron microscope observations were carried out at three days and then 4, 8, 10 and 12 weeks postoperation. Electrophysiological recording was performed six months postoperation. Myelinated axon regeneration was observed from four weeks after implantation. Polymer degradation was observed over the duration of the study. The results suggest that PU channels can be used for the regeneration of peripheral nerves and are suitable for tissue engineering.
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