J Reconstr Microsurg 1985; 2(1): 45-49
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1007044
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1985 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Endoneural and Epineural Blood Flow Evaluation with Free Vascularized and Conventional Nerve Grafts in the Canine

Peter J. Daly1 , Michael B. Wood2
  • 1Mayo Medical School
  • 2Department of Orthopedics, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted for publication 1985

Publication Date:
08 March 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

Blood flow distribution in conventional and vascularized canine nerve grafts was analyzed. Between 4 and 6 days after operation, blood flow at both the fascicular (endoneural) and the nerve-sheath (epineural) levels was significantly greater in the nonvascularized nerve grafts than in their vascularized counterparts (P < 0.025 and P < 0.001, respectively). The superior flow rates of the conventional grafts illustrate the efficiency of nerve revascularization, even to the fascicular level. This finding does not support a possible endoneural vascular advantage of vascularized nerve graft and suggests the need for further analysis of the role of vascularized nerve grafting.