The novel approach for treatment of nerve injury

NeuraWrap™ nerve protector is an absorbable collagen implant that provides a non-constricting encasement for injured peripheral nerves for protection of the neural environment. The wall of the conduit has a longitudinal slit that allows NeuraWrap to be spread open for easy placement over the injured nerve. The resilience of the collagen conduit allows NeuraWrap to recover and maintain closure once the device is placed around the nerve.

Potential advantages of nerve wrap:
• Minimal potential for scar formation, encapsulation and nerve entrapment
• Acts as an interface, creates appropriate environment

NeuraWrap remains in place during the active phase of tissue healing and is completely resorbed after tissue response has resolved. The porous outer layer of NeuraWrap comprises a tubular matrix that mechanically resists compression from surrounding tissue and excludes scar tissue ingrowth. The semi-permeable inner membrane allows passage of small molecules (i.e. water, ions, metabolites, nutrients), but prevents the escape of endogenous growth factors (i.e. Nerve Growth Factor).1 NeuraWrap provides a new alternative for the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries.

The Latest Innovation in Peripheral Nerve Protection
• Isolates nerve tissue during the healing process1
• Minimizes potential for neuroma formation
• Recovers and maintains closure once placed around the nerve2
• Biocompatible and completely absorbed via normal metabolic pathways1

The fibrillar structure of the collagen is maintained throughout manufacture, permitting the construction of a tubular matrix that has great mechanical strength and defined permeability (Archibald et al. 1991; Li et al.1992). The structural stability of the NeuraWrap Nerve Protector is increased with a cross-linking agent that also determines the rate of in vivo absorption.

References:
1. Data on file, Integra LifeSciences Corporation.
2. NeuraWrap Instructions for Use, Integra LifeSciences Corporation; 2004.
3. Archibald, S.J., C. Krarup, S.T Li, and R.D. Madison (1991) A collagen-based nerve guide conduit for peripheral nerve repair: an electrophysiological study of nerve regeneration in rodents and nonhuman primates. J. Comp. Neurol. 307: 1-12.
4. Li, S.T., S.J. Archibald, C. Krarup, and R. Madison (1992) Peripheral nerve repair with collagen conduits. Clinical Materials 9: 195-200.