Use of Epineural Sheath Grafts for Neural Regeneration and Protection
AssigneeThe Cleveland Clinic Foundation
InventorsMaria Siemionow, Krzysztof Siemionow
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Described herein is conduit material that causes minimal inflammatory reaction, and serves as a structural guide for regenerating nerve tissue (e.g., axons). Thus, the invention is directed to methods of treating a nerve injury in an individual in need thereof. The methods employ an isolated, naturally occurring epineural sheath, and can be used, for example, to regenerate nerve tissue in an individual in need thereof. Also provided herein is a device for harvesting an epineural sheath.
Claims54
A method of repairing a nerve gap having a proximal nerve stump and a distal nerve stump in an individual in need thereof, comprising
- a) attaching an isolated, naturally occurring epineural sheath to the proximal nerve stump and to the distal nerve stump, thereby producing a nerve graft and
- b) maintaining the nerve graft under conditions in which nerve tissue is regenerated between the proximal nerve stump and the distal nerve stump,
- thereby repairing the nerve gap.
A method of repairing a nerve gap having a proximal nerve stump and a distal nerve stump in an individual in need thereof, comprising:
- a) attaching a flat epineural sheath to the proximal nerve stump and to the distal nerve stump, thereby producing a nerve graft;
- and
- b) maintaining the nerve graft under conditions in which nerve tissue is regenerated between the proximal nerve stump and the distal nerve stump,
- thereby repairing the nerve gap.
A method of repairing a nerve gap having a proximal nerve stump and a distal nerve stump in an individual in need thereof, comprising:
- a) attaching at least one epineural strip to the proximal nerve stump and to the distal nerve stump, thereby producing a nerve graft;
- and
- b) maintaining the nerve graft under conditions in which nerve tissue is regenerated between the proximal nerve stump and the distal nerve stump,
- thereby repairing the nerve gap.
A method of repairing a nerve gap having a proximal nerve stump and a distal nerve stump in an individual in need thereof, comprising
- a) attaching an isolated, naturally occurring epineural tube to the proximal nerve stump and to the distal nerve stump, thereby producing a nerve graft and
- b) maintaining the nerve graft under conditions in which nerve tissue is regenerated between the proximal nerve stump and the distal nerve stump,
- thereby repairing the nerve gap.
A method of protecting neural tissue in an individual in need thereof, comprising
- a) attaching an isolated, naturally occurring epineural sheath to the neural tissue, thereby covering the nerve tissue and
- b) maintaining the neural tissue under conditions in which the neural tissue is isolated,
- thereby protecting the neural tissue.
A device for harvesting an epineural sheath comprising a hollow tube having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end comprises a forwardly curved protrusion extending from a side wall of the tube and curving radially inward to a central line of the tube, and the proximal end comprises a flange.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.