Objective: This paper examined the efficacy of an implantable electrical stimulator in rats for the functional regeneration of peripheral nerves.
Materials and methods: The implantable electrical stimulator was fabricated on a polyimide-based conduit with an integrated electrode, a stimulation chip, and a battery; 3 mg/mL of collagen gel was coated onto the conduit surface and electrical stimulation (20 µ A, 100 µ s, and 100 Hz biphasic current) was continuously applied between the nerve stumps for four weeks. The stimulator was tested on a severed sciatic nerve with a 7-mm gap in rats. The effects of both the electrical stimulation and the collagen application were examined.
Results: Functionality was evaluated through walk track assessments and by recording the action potential of the regenerated nerve. Immunohistochemical staining of the regenerated nerve was done using peripheral myelin protein 22.
Conclusion: The results suggest that the functional recovery of a severed peripheral nerve by the proposed implantable electrical stimulator was achieved through electrical current stimulation along the use of a collagen coating on the conduit surface.
© 2010 International Neuromodulation Society.