Polymeric fibers were microbraided around a mandrel to make a tubular
guide tube for nerve regeneration. The polymer used for the fibers was
one of poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (10:90 PLGA) and chitosan. These
polymers are biodegradable and biocompatible. The tubes were studied for
their surface morphology and swelling behavior. Biological performance of
the tubes was examined in the rat sciatic nerve model with a 12 mm gap.
One month after implantation nine out of ten rats showed successful nerve
regeneration. Morphometric analysis of regenerated nerves confirmed the
quality of the regeneration compatible with those offered by other types
of biodegradable nerve guide tubes. The tubes were flexible, permeable
and showed no swelling.