Peripheral Nerve Regeneration by Tissue Engineering for Prevention of Misdirection

Abstract

We created an artificial nerve conduit called a “polyglycolic acid tube” based on a basic concept of in situ tissue engineering to achieve complete functional regeneration without misdirected reinnervation. We successfully achieved functional regeneration of the recurrent laryngeal nerve in dogs using this artificial nerve conduit. Based on our results, we began its use in human clinical application to regenerate peripheral nerves (such as the recurrent laryngeal nerve, facial nerve, and chorda tympani nerve).