Development of three dimensional, conducting structures for nerve regenerative applications

Peripheral nerve damage affects thousands of people every year. While less severe injuries usually heal over time, surgery is the only option to attempt restoration of sensation and function in severely damaged peripheral nerves. Autologous nerve grafting is currently the most successful and commonly used treatment for injuries of the peripheral nervous system. The functional outcomes of autografting are still far from ideal and further limitations result from the need to sacrifice a nerve from elsewhere in the body. To overcome these limitations research has focussed on the development of artificial nerve conduits which are designed to support the damaged nerve to reconnect.