Branched Nerve Allografts to Improve Outcomes in Facial Composite Tissue Transplantation
Abstract
The gold standard for peripheral nerve gap repair remains the autologous nerve graft. However, off-the-shelf alternatives are appealing due to additional graft material, shorter operative times and avoidance of donor site morbidity. This study aims to evaluate the functional and histologic recovery of a novel branched a cellular nerve allograft (ANA) in a complex nerve defect. Yucatan miniature swine (n = 13) underwent transection of the left inferior division of the facial nerve containing the marginal mandibular (MMB) and cervical (C) nerve branches. The gap was addressed either by a sural nerve autograft, ANA, or a human xenograft with or without oral Tacrolimus. Electrophysiologic assessments were performed pre-operatively and at the study endpoint (24 weeks) to assess functional recovery using compound muscle action potential (CMAP) and histologic recovery by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using neurofilament and S100.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1049907
Entities
People
- Bohdan Pomahač
- Mario Aycart