US5092871A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrically-charged nerve guidance channels
Assignee: Brown University Research Foundation Inc
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Filing: 1990-11-30
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Granted: 1992-03-03
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Expires: 2010-11-30
Abstract
Abstract A medical device is disclosed for use in regenerating a severed nerve, including a tubular, biocompatible, electrically-charged membrane or guidance channel, having openings adapted to receive the ends of the severed nerve and defining a lumen through which the nerve can regenerate. The electrically-charged membrane can further include a polymeric electret material that is electrically poled. A method for repairing a severed nerve is also disclosed and includes placing severed nerve ends in proximity to each other within the lumen of the guidance channel of the present invention and securing the nerve ends to the device.
Inventors
- 👤 Patrick Aebischer
- 👤 Paolo Dario
- 👤 Angelo Sabatini
- 👤 Robert F. Valentini
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 22:47
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61L; A61L31/00; A61L31/14; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/11; A61B17/1128; A61L31/04; A61L31/048; A61B17/00491; A61B2017/00004; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/30; A61F2002/30001; A61F2002/30108; A61F2002/30199; A61F2002/30224; A61F2002/30235; A61F2230/00; A61F2230/0063; A61F2230/0069; A61L2430/00; A61L2430/32; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S623/00; Y10S623/92; Y10S977/00; Y10S977/902; Y10S977/904; Y10S977/908
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
91 words
A method for preparing a medical device for use in the regeneration of a severed nerve, said method comprising the steps of: fabricating a tubular, biocompatible, polymeric membrane from a polymer having a polarizable membrane structure, said membrane having a lumen with a diameter of about 0.5 mm to 3.0 cm, and having openings adapted to receive the ends of said severed nerve and defining a lumen through which said nerve may regenerate; and poling said membrane to produce a quasi-permanent electric charge on an inner surface of said tubular membrane.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
91 words
A method for preparing a medical device for use in the regeneration of a severed nerve, said method comprising the steps of: fabricating a tubular, biocompatible, polymeric membrane from a polymer having a polarizable membrane structure, said membrane having a lumen with a diameter of about 0.5 mm to 3.0 cm, and having openings adapted to receive the ends of said severed nerve and defining a lumen through which said nerve may regenerate; and poling said membrane to produce a quasi-permanent electric charge on an inner surface of said tubular membrane.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said fabricating step further includes fabricating a biocompatible, polymeric, tubular membrane from polytetrafluoroethylene.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the poling step further includes producing a quasi-permanent, positive charge on the inner surface of said tubular membrane.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the poling step further includes producing a quasi-permanent, negative charge on the inner surface of said tubular membrane.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of electrically poling said polymer further comprises producing a quasi-permanent, electric charge on the outer surface of said tubular membrane.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the poling step further includes producing a quasi-permanent, positive charge on the outer surface of said tubular membrane.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the poling step further includes producing a quasi-permanent, negative charge on the outer surface of said tubular membrane.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-03-03 | 1995-09-02 | 1996-03-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-03-03 | 1999-09-02 | 2000-03-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-03-03 | 2003-09-02 | 2004-03-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |