Conduit for peripheral nerve replacement

US9675358B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Wake Forest University Health Sciences · US

Inventors

• William D. Wagner · Clemmons, US
• Nicole H. Levi · Winston-Salem, US
• Tabitha Rosenbalm · Winston-Salem, US
• Louis C. Argenta · Winston-Salem, US
• Michael J. Morykwas · Winston-Salem, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 15, 2013
• Grant date: Jun 13, 2017
• Expiry date: Sep 30, 2033

Classification

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

Abstract

A biphasic material and devices comprising the same are provided for the development of conductive conduits that may be used for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury. These devices or conduits are designed such that repeated electric field gradients can be initiated to promote neurite and axonal outgrowth. Conducting conduits using doped synthetic and/or natural polymers create specifically patterned high and low conducting segmented materials, which are mechanically used to produce the electrical properties needed for nerve conduits. These electrical properties stimulate neurite outgrowth and axonal repair following a peripheral nerve transection.