Electrically-charged nerve guidance channels
First Claim
1. A medical device for use in regenerating a severed nerve, the device comprising an implantable, tubular, electrically-charged membrane having openings adapted to receive the ends of said severed nerve and a lumen having a diameter ranging from about 0.5 millimeters to about 2.0 centimeters to permit regeneration of the nerve therethrough, said membrane being fabricated such that an electrical charge is exhibited at the inner surface of said membrane to stimulate regeneration by axonal sprouting and process extension.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A medical device is disclosed for use in regenerating a severed nerve. The device includes an implantable, tubular, electrically-charged membrane having openings adapted to receive the ends of the severed nerve and a lumen having a diameter ranging from about 0.5 millimeters to about 2.0 centimeters to permit regeneration of the nerve therethrough. The membrane is fabricated such that an electric charge is exhibited at the inner membrane surface to stimulate regeneration by axonal sprouting and process extension. Also disclosed are methods for repairing a severed nerve and for preparing a medical device for use in regeneration of a severed nerve.
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Citations
50 Claims
- 1. A medical device for use in regenerating a severed nerve, the device comprising an implantable, tubular, electrically-charged membrane having openings adapted to receive the ends of said severed nerve and a lumen having a diameter ranging from about 0.5 millimeters to about 2.0 centimeters to permit regeneration of the nerve therethrough, said membrane being fabricated such that an electrical charge is exhibited at the inner surface of said membrane to stimulate regeneration by axonal sprouting and process extension.
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22. A method for repairing a severed nerve, said comprising:
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providing a protective medical device including an implantable, tubular, biocompatible, electrically-charged membrane, said membrane having opening adapted to receive the ends of a severed nerve and a lumen having a diameter ranging from about 0.5 millimeters to about 2.0 centimeters to permit regeneration of the nerve therethrough, said electrically-charged membrane being fabricated such that an electrical charge is exhibited at the inner surface of said membrane to stimulate axonal sprouting and process extension; placing said severed nerve ends in proximity to each other within said lumen; and securing said nerve ends to said device. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50)
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Specification