Spinal Cord Devices and Methods for Promoting Axonal Regeneration

摘要

A spinal cord device comprises a body formed of a biocompatible, biodegradable matrix. The body includes proximal, cranial and distal, caudal surfaces for connection to two ends of an injured spinal cord after removal of an injured section and has through channels with openings in the cranial and caudal surfaces for connection of descending motor pathways and ascending sensory pathways. The device has a transversal diameter (Dt), an anteroposterior diameter (Da) and a length (L), wherein Dt is from 9 to 13 mm and the ratio anteroposterior diameter/transverse diameter (RAPT) is from 0.5 to 1.0 and wherein the position and dimension of the channels, RAPT value, and cranial surface area and/or caudal surface area of the device are adopted to the shape, level, dimension of white and gray matter, and size of the injured spinal cord for optimal connection between spinal cord tracts. Kits and methods employ such devices.

主权项

1. A spinal cord device for bridging an injured spinal cord and promoting axonal regeneration, the spinal cord device comprising a body formed of a biocompatible, biodegradable matrix, the body including a proximal, cranial surface and a distal, caudal surface for connection to two ends of an injured spinal cord after removal of an injured spinal cord section; the body having through channels with openings in the cranial surface and the caudal surface for connection of descending motor pathways from cranial white to caudal gray matter and ascending sensory pathways from caudal white to cranial gray matter of the two spinal cord ends; the spinal cord device having a transversal diameter (Dt), an anteroposterior diameter (Da) and a length (L); wherein Dt is within a range of from 9 to 13 mm and the ratio anteroposterior diameter/transverse diameter (RAPT) is in a range of from 0.5 to 1.0; and wherein the position and dimension of the channels, the RAPT value, and the cranial surface area and/or the caudal surface area of the device are adopted to the shape, level, dimension of white and gray matter, and size of the injured spinal cord for optimal connection between spinal cord tracts.