372 results about "Nerves regeneration" patented technology

Various systems and methods for promoting nerve regeneration are disclosed. The system may include an elongated lead configured to be implanted within a patient's body. The system may also include a plurality of electrodes disposed along the elongated lead and configured to deliver electric stimulation to an area of a patient's body. The plurality of electrodes may comprise at least one transmitting electrode in communication with the controller, wherein the at least one transmitting electrode is configured to transmit an electric signal to one or more other electrodes. The controller may be configured to control operation of the at least one transmitting electrode.

PCT No. PCT / JP97 / 04203 Sec. 371 Date May 20, 1999 Sec. 102(e) Date May 20, 1999 PCT Filed Nov. 19, 1997 PCT Pub. No. WO98 / 22155 PCT Pub. Date May 28, 1998The present invention offers an artificial tube for nerve which can remain in the body until the nerve regenerates while does not remain as a foreign body in the body following nerve regeneration, and which induces axons regenerated from severed nerve stumps, can promote infiltration of blood capillaries from the body and regeneration of nerve tissue. The present invention comprises a tube 10 or 20 having coating layers 12, 13 or 22, 23 composed of gelatin or collagen on the inner and outer surfaces of a tube 11 or 21 composed of a material being biodegradable and absorbable in vivo, and a collagen body 30 or 40 having cavities 32, 33 or 41 which pass through said tube so as to be substantially parallel to the axis of said tube; wherein, said cavities are filled with a matrix gel.

A method of enhancing the regeneration of injured nerves has the step of administering an effective exposure of pressure pulses or acoustic shock waves in a pulse or wave pattern to the zone of injury of the nerve during the regeneration process. The inventive method may include enhancing the stimulation of neuronal cell growth or regeneration by administering an effective exposure of pressure pulses or acoustic shock waves in a pulse or wave pattern to stimulate neuronal cell growth or regeneration, wherein the administering of the treatment is applied to a patient who has a pathological condition where neuronal repair can be facilitated including peripheral nerve damage caused by injury or disease such as diabetes, brain damage associated with stroke, and for the treatment of neurological disorders related to neurodegeneration, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral, sclerosis multiple sclerosis and disseminated sclerosis. The treatment is ideally suited for neural regeneration after a degenerative condition due to any neurological infections or any other pathological condition.

A neuronal differentiation promoting agent for neural stem cells comprising, as an active ingredient, at least one member selected from the group consisting of ω-3 unsaturated fatty acids and ω-6 unsaturated fatty acids having 18 to 22 carbon atoms, and derivatives thereof. The agent can be used for induction of differentiation of neural stem cells and is useful for treating and / or preventing a variety of neurological diseases, and in the fields of nerve transplantation and / or regenerative medicine for nerves.

In one aspect the present disclosure provides a method of rehabilitating a person who has suffered central nervous system damage including the steps of providing exercise equipment capable of exercising a person's limbs, providing functional electrical stimulation to the person's limbs to be exercised in order to operate the exercise equipment, increasing the level of functional electrical stimulation; decreasing a resistance provided by the exercise equipment or providing assistance to maintain an acceptable speed of the exercise equipment as the person's muscles tire; finally completely removing functional electrical stimulation to the person's limbs and providing assistance to maintain an acceptable speed of the exercise equipment; and continuing passive exercise of the person's limbs for a period of time greater than two minutes. Also provided are apparatuses to carry out the method.

An implant for bridging a gap in a severed spinal cord or nerve and for promoting nerve regeneration has a matrix comprising a biocompatible, biodegradable, polymeric material. The matrix has a proximal end for connection to a first end of severed spinal cord and a distal end for connection to a second end of severed spinal cord. The matrix includes internal guidance channels extending between the proximal end and the distal end to facilitate rejoining of the first end and the second end of the severed spinal cord. A bioactive agent may be dispersed in the matrix, or disposed in the channels, or included within microspheres in the channels. The channels may be arranged such that guidance channels correspond to spinal cord tracts. Alternatively, guidance channels may be spaced apart at the proximal end of the matrix and converge inward toward the axis of the matrix at the distal end.

Disclosed is a bio-electrospinning technique for preparing a cell-containing, oriented, continuous tubular scaffold, made of biodegradable polymer, designed for use as a nerve guide conduit (NGC) in nerve regeneration. With a coaxial spinneret, the PC-12 cell medium solution was co-electrospun into a core of tubular fibers, with PLA on the outer shell. The resulted fibers' morphology was characterized via SEM and optical microscopy, and following structural characteristics were found: 1. the larger, hollow fibers had diameters in tenth of microns and wall thicknesses around few microns, 2. an orientation in a preferred direction with the aid of a high-rotating collection device. The fluorescent PC12 cells embedded within the scaffold were cultured and nerve growth factor was added. We observed cells could not only survive the process, but also sustain their viability by undergoing differentiation process, extending neurite along the micro tubular scaffold in the desired direction. All these results demonstrate its potential application for advanced NGC.

Devices for use in the regeneration or repair of body tissue (such as nerves) comprise a multi-lumen scaffold and, optionally, an outer sheath. The tissue guidance conduits are preferably formed of biocompatible, biodegradable charged polymer hydrogels, particularly charged oligo-(polyethylene glycol)fumarate hydrogels. The outer sheath is formed of a stronger material than the scaffold and preferably comprises a region at each end for suturing the device in place. Methods for making tissue guidance conduits and for repairing tissue are also described.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a method and system for building cost-efficient biocompatible hydrogel constructs using stereolithography. Hydrogel constructs may be used in, for example, multi-lumen nerve regeneration conduits and other tissue engineering scaffolds with embedded channel architecture that facilitate tissue regeneration through possible incorporation of precisely located bioactive agents, cells, and other desired inert and / or active chemical agents and devices. Another preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a method of fabricating a hydrogel construct comprising: solidifying a first solution into a first construct layer with a first energy dosage using stereolithography, the first solution comprising: a first polymer; and a first photoinitiator, wherein the first polymer and first photoinitiator are of a first concentration.

This invention relates to an electrotherapeutic device useful for treating a variety of aspects associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The device is a TENS-like unit that is miniaturized, comfortable and unobtrusive, thereby allowing for unencumbered performance of daily activities. The device houses an electronic circuit comprising optimally placed electrodes and a microprocessor preprogrammed to deliver an optimal stimulus pulse protocol whereby the stimulus pulse parameters are varied so as to deliver a series of stimulus pulses for treating all aspects of CTS, including but not limited to pain blockage, nerve regeneration, reduction in inflammation and biochemical release.

This document pertains generally to the field of nerve regeneration and more particularly to functional recovery after nerve injury or transection. For example, this document provides a silicon chip device coupled with field effect (or other types of) transistors, growth permissive chemical substrates, and trophic molecules that together can enable the rapid and successful regeneration of injured nerves. Such devices can be used to stimulate continually the transected target tissue to create an environment that is highly conducive to growth and reinnervation.

Polymeric fibers were microbraided around a mandrel to make a tubular guide tube for nerve regeneration. The polymer used for the fibers was one of poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (10:90 PLGA) and chitosan. These polymers are biodegradable and biocompatible. The tubes were studied for their surface morphology and swelling behavior. Biological performance of the tubes was examined in the rat sciatic nerve model with a 12 mm gap. One month after implantation nine out of ten rats showed successful nerve regeneration. Morphometric analysis of regenerated nerves confirmed the quality of the regeneration compatible with those offered by other types of biodegradable nerve guide tubes. The tubes were flexible, permeable and showed no swelling.

A composition and a method of treating a subject with respect to a pathological condition comprised by the subject. The composition comprises a sulfated saccharide conjugated to a polymer. The method comprises administering to the subject a composition comprising a sulfated saccharide conjugated to a polymer or a sulfated saccharide. The sulfated saccharide has a molecular weight less than 5000 Dalton.

Various exemplary systems and methods for promoting nerve regeneration are disclosed. In certain exemplary embodiments, a nerve regeneration system may include a lead configured to be placed in a body proximate a damaged nerve, a portion of the lead being configured to stimulate the damaged nerve. The system may also include a control module configured to monitor a signal indicative of the nerve's response to the stimulation and adjust a parameter of the stimulation in response to the monitored signal.

The invention discloses an artificial nerve conduit of double layer and the method for preparing same. The said nerve conduit comprises an inner conduit and an outer layer, which are made from degradable and adsorptive material in living body. The slit between said inner conduit and outer conduit is filled with fiber albumen glue (used for regeneration of nervous tissue and blood vessel). The artificial nerve conduit of double layer can be used for bypass surgery for damaged round nerve and spinal marrow, and it will be degraded and adsorbed in living body after nerve regeneration. The said artificial nerve conduit possesses good elasticity and strength, and the degradation time is adaptive to growing speed of nervous fiber (about 1-6 months).

A method is provided for stimulating nerve growth, especially for nerve regeneration after damage to the nerve. The method comprises: applying thermal energy to one or more nerve segments adjacent a damaged region of the nerve, such that nerve fibers from the treated adjacent segment are stimulated to grow and extend toward the damaged region. The method may be used to enhance mechanical stimulative effect at a terminus of a severed nerve or a region of nerve injured by crush or other physical forces. The method may also be used to treat nerve segments retrograde up the nerve fiber and to increase the response of the injured nerve to regrowth and extension rapidly. An apparatus for delivery of thermal energy to the distal terminus of the severed nerve or region is disclosed. Thermal conductive or electromagnetic energy is delivered through a probe having a handle and a shaft. An energy delivery portion of the probe is configured to apply thermal energy to the distal segments of the severed nerve to promote rapid and more extensive growth of the nerve cells.

At least partial function of a human limb is restored by surgically removing at least a portion of an injured or diseased human limb from a surgical site of an individual and transplanting a selected muscle into the remaining biological body of the individual, followed by contacting the transplanted selected muscle, or an associated nerve, with an electrode, to thereby control a device, such as a prosthetic limb, linked to the electrode. Simulating proprioceptive sensory feedback from a device includes mechanically linking at least one pair of agonist and antagonist muscles, wherein a nerve innervates each muscle, and supporting each pair with a support, whereby contraction of the agonist muscle of each pair will cause extension of the paired antagonist muscle. An electrode is implanted in a muscle of each pair and electrically connected to a motor controller of the device, thereby simulating proprioceptive sensory feedback from the device.

The invention provides an orientated nano fiber bionic nerve conduit and a manufacturing method thereof. A nano fiber membrane with orientation degree larger than or equal to 75% is prepared by means of coaxial electrostatic spinning, and then is curved to form the nerve conduit, NGF (nerve growth factor) is added into fibers so that the bionic nerve conduit is combined with various factors promoting nerve regeneration, such as 'nano bionics', 'contact guiding', 'drug release' and the like, and the bionic nerve conduit can effective promote nerve regeneration as proved by animal experiments.

A keratin hydrogel matrix serves as an effective acellular scaffold for axonal regeneration and facilitates functional nerve recovery.

Proteins are incorporated into protein or polysaccharide matrices for use in tissue repair, regeneration and / or remodeling and / or drug delivery. The proteins can be incorporated so that they are released by degradation of the matrix, by enzymatic action and / or diffusion. As demonstrated by the examples, one method is to bind heparin to the matrix by either covalent or non-covalent methods, to form a heparin-matrix. The heparin then non-covalently binds heparin-binding growth factors to the protein matrix. Alternatively, a fusion protein can be constructed which contains a crosslinking region such as a factor XIIIa substrate and the native protein sequence. Incorporation of degradable linkages between the matrix and the bioactive factors can be particularly useful when long-term drug delivery is desired, for example in the case of nerve regeneration, where it is desirable to vary the rate of drug release spatially as a function of regeneration, e.g. rapidly near the living tissue interface and more slowly farther into the injury zone. Additional benefits include the lower total drug dose within the delivery system, and spatial regulation of release which permits a greater percentage of the drug to be released at the time of greatest cellular activity.

The invention relates to a preparation method for a conduction and sustained release type nervous tissue engineering scaffold. The method comprises the following steps: silk fibroin Silk and lactic acid-caprolactone copolymer are dissolved in a solvent, dissolved and stirred to obtain a solution, then polyaniline and camphorsulfonic acid are added and stirred and mixed uniformly to obtain a cortex electrospinning solution, and NGF (nerve growth factors) are dissolved in ultrapure water completely to obtain a core electrospinning solution; and the cortex electrospinning solution and the core electrospinning solution are accommodated in an injector respectively for coaxial electrospinning, and then fumigation treatment and vacuum drying are performed to obtain the conduction type nervous tissue engineering scaffold. According to the prepared nanofiber scaffold, the nerve repair speed is increased from ways including external electrical stimulation (conductive polymer), biochemistry (NGFs), a topological structure required by nerve regeneration (orientation guide) and the like. The method is simple to operate, good in repeatability and high in economic benefit, and provides novel experimental thought for nerve defect repair in clinical application.

The invention relates to promotion of a process for regeneration of an injured nerve using a plurality of guiding means, preferably a plurality of guiding fibres, presenting an in vivo biodegradability being such that at least a majority of said guiding means becomes essentially disintegrated by degradation (and / or dissolution) during a pre-contact period extending from application of the device at the injured nerve up to a first occurrence of a re-established (regenerated) contact between the ends of the injured nerve. During a post-contact period extending from the end of the pre-contact period and up to the end of the regeneration process, the disintegrated guiding means will provide no substantial axon growth guiding function and no substantial axon growth blocking effect.

The present invention provides a nerve regeneration-inducing tube in which nerve is inserted into a tubular structure and can be easily sutured and fixed without resort to any special instruments or operations, thereby allowing nerve cells to efficiently proliferate and grow in the correct direction. The nerve regeneration-inducing tube of the present invention includes: a tubular structure (A) made of a biodegradable material or a bioabsorbable material and provided inside with a matrix (B) having linear nerve-inducing channels and being made of a biodegradable material or a bioabsorbable material; and a definite space part provided at one end of the tubular structure (A).

The present invention is directed to the compositions and methods of preparing hydrogel-grafted nerve guides for peripheral nerve regeneration. Particularly, the present invention describes the nerve guides and methods for preparation of hydrogel-grafted nerve guides with encapsulated neurotrophic factors and a nanofiber mesh lining the inner surface of the guide. The present invention also provides methods for peripheral nerve repair using these hydrogel-grafted nerve guides.

The invention relates to a method for preparing spiral flexible anti-pressure nerve conduits. The method comprises the following steps that: (1) a receiving device is prepared by winding a micron fiber bundle on a stainless steel tube at intervals of between 0.2 and 0.8 centimeter; (2) a polymer is dissolved in an organic solvent and prepared into a uniform spinning solution of which the concentration is between 0.03 and 0.12 gram / milliliter; and (3) the spinning solution is subjected to electrostatic spinning, and the spiral nerve conduits are obtained by use of the receiving device in a step (1). The method has the advantages of finding a combination point of the electrostatic spinning technology and the nerve regeneration field, making great breakthrough in the aspects of regenerating and repairing peripheral nerves and promoting the development of regeneration medicine. The prepared nerve conduits are easy to bend and resistant to pressure, are used for repairing peripheral injured nerves, and raise the speed and quality of nerve regeneration.

The invention relates to a high simulation tissue engineering nerve repairing material NGCS and a preparing method thereof which is characterized in that the NGCS material comprises one, two or three raw materials of type I collagen, chitosan and gelatin. The NGCS material is made of the following raw materials by weight portions: 1-10 portions of type I collagen, 1 portion of chitosan and 1 portion of gelatin. The NGCS can be applied to both the basic research of the nerve injury repairing and the bridge repairing of clinical human spinal and peripheral nerve injuries or defects. The NGCS material is beneficial for the growth of nerve regenerated fiber and can be applied to the repairing of spinal and peripheral nerve injuries.

A nerve regeneration stimulator comprising a compound having a cholinesterase inhibitory activity, a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate thereof.

The invention discloses an artificial nerve scaffold capable of inducing nerve regeneration active. The artificial nerve scaffold includes a dual-nerve catheter, oriented nano fiber beams and a natural polymer adhesive; the dual-nerve catheter is directly prepared outside the oriented nano fiber beams; and the natural polymer adhesive is poured into clearances of the oriented nano fiber beams to acquire the artificial nerve scaffold. the oriented nano fiber beams are rolled by a dual-component nano fiber film; the nano fiber beams are sparsely arranged, thereby facilitating growth of nerve cells; the outer layer of the nerve catheter is formed by a compact nano fiber film pipe having excellent hydrophobicity and can prevent growth of connective tissues; the inner layer of the nerve catheter is formed by a dual-component nano fiber film pipe, and is conductive to reconstruction of capillary vessels; and the natural polymer adhesive is an aqueous solution prepared by a natural polymer material, and stem cells can be added into the natural polymer adhesive. The invention discloses a preparation method of the artificial nerve scaffold, and application of the artificial nerve scaffold to peripheral nerve injury repairing.