Axoguard Nerve Connector

Axoguard Nerve Connector is the only porcine submucosa extracellular matrix (ECM) coaptation aid for tensionless repair of transected or severed peripheral nerves. The Axoguard Nerve Connector’s semi-translucency allows for the close approximation of severed nerves, aiding in the alignment and connection of severed nerve ends with less than a 5 mm gap. The Axoguard ECM material allows the body’s natural healing process to repair the nerve by isolating and protecting it during the healing process. The patient’s own cells incorporate into the extracellular matrix to remodel and form a tissue similar to the nerve epineurium.

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Axoguard nerve connector can be used to:

  • Relieve tension at the coaptation site of severed nerves
  • Aid coaptation in direct repair, grafting or cable grafting repairs4
  • Reinforce the coaptation site†

Axoguard nerve connector has the following key advantages:

  • Semi-translucent to aid in nerve end approximation
  • Reduces tension and likelihood of tension-induced ischaemia 1,2
  • Reduces the negative inflammatory impact of sutures at the critical zone of regeneration by allowing for suture placement away from the coaptation site 3,4
  • Provides a physical barrier reducing infiltration of surrounding tissues into the coaptation site and the potential for axonal sprouting outside the coaptation site 4,5
  • Allows for cell infiltration and vascularisation, gradually remodelling and incorporating into the patient’s own tissue*5-7
  • Aids coaptation in direct repair, grafting or cable grafting repairs*
  • Reinforces the coaptation site†

Regulatory Classification: Axoguard Nerve Connector is a CE Marked medical device.

indications for use

The Axoguard Nerve Connector is indicated for the repair of peripheral nerve discontinuities with gaps up to 5 mm. The Axoguard Nerve Connector is supplied sterile and is intended for single use.

contraindications

The Axoguard Nerve Connector is derived from a porcine source and should not be used for patients with known sensitivity to porcine material.

references

  1. Lundborg G, Rydevik B. Effects of stretching the tibial nerve of the rabbit: a preliminary study of the intraneural circulation and the barrier function of the perineurium. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1973;55(2):390-401.
  2. Schmidhammer R, Zandieh S, Hopf R, et al. Alleviated tension at the repair site enhances functional regeneration: the effect of full range of motion mobilization on the regeneration of peripheral nerves—histologic, electrophysiologic, and functional results in a rat model. J Trauma. 2004;56(3):571-584.
  3. Postlethwait RW, Willigan DA, Ulin AW. Human tissue reaction to sutures. Ann Surg. 1975;181(2):144-150.
  4. Ducic I, Safa B, DeVinney E. Refinements of nerve repair with connector-assisted coaptation. Microsurgery. 2017;37(3):256-263.
  5. Kokkalis ZT, Pu C, Small GA, Weiser RW, Venouziou AI, Sotereanos DG. Assessment of processed porcine extracellular matrix as a protective barrier in a rabbit nerve wrap model. J Reconstr Microsurg. 2011;27(1):19-28.
  6. Ko YG, Park JH, Lee JB, et al. Growth behavior of endothelial cells according to electrospun poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) fiber diameter as a tissue engineering scaffold. Tissue Eng Regen Med. 2016;13(4):343-351.
  7. Hodde JP, Record RD, Liang HA Badylak SF. Vascular endothelial growth factor in porcine-derived extracellular matrix. Endothelium. 2001;8(1):11-24.

*As shown in animal models
†As shown in bench models

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