Implantable nerve guidance conduits having polymer fiber guidance channel

US10363041B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Trustees of the Stevens Institute of Technology · US

Inventors

• Xiaojun Yu · Fishers, US
• Munish Shah
• Wei Chang · New York, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 6, 2017
• Grant date: Jul 30, 2019
• Expiry date: Jun 16, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61L2430/32
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A nerve guidance conduit includes one or more guidance channels formed as porous polymeric structures. The guidance channels are within an outer tubular structure that includes randomly-oriented nanofibers. The guidance channels may have electrospun nanofibers on their inner and outer surfaces in a parallel alignment with the guidance channels. Such aligned nanofibers may also be present on the inner surface of the outer tubular structure. The outer surfaces of the guidance channels and the inner surface of the tubular structure define additional guidance channels. Such a nerve guidance conduit provides augmented surface areas for providing directional guidance and enhancing peripheral nerve regeneration. The structure also has the mechanical and nutrient transport requirements required over long regeneration periods.