Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
Initial studies using the rat sciatic nerve demonstrated the ability to adapt a multiple lumen cuff face to a nerve stump repair site. The neurons in the proximal stump grew through the individual conduits of the silicone rubber cuff, crossed a 5 mm gap, and continued into the distal stump. The effect of the cuff design on axonal regeneration was studied by comparing macroscopic and microstructural results for experimental groups of Sprague-Dawley rats with controls at 8, 12, 16, and 24 weeks post-implantation. The several individual nerve bundles which formed within the cuff lumens during these periods maintained their alignment on the distal side of the gap. The use of the multiple lumen system provided suitable scaffolding support and control of orientation and direction for fibers and established a sized, controlled environment for regeneration within each of the separate nerve cuff compartments.