ABSTRACT
The time course of revascularization of grafted nerves, and the possible dependence
of this revascular-ization on the length of the graft are two related questions that
are addressed. Survival of Schwann cells in the nerve graft and a timely revascularization
must be seen as a precondition for an optimal regeneration process.
The revascularization process after different postoperative intervals is demonstrated
in the sciatic nerve of rabbits by the use of microangiography, with Roentgen-positive
water-soluble contrast medium. The third postoperative day is the earliest point in
time for revascularization of the autologous graft from surrounding tissues. On the
fourth postoperative day, a hyperemia with extension to all sides of the intraneural
vessel system exists that still persists on the fifth and sixth days. In one experimental
group, revascularization was allowed to occur only in a longitudinal direction. Revascularization
under these conditions proved to be poor, slow, and obviously dependent on the length
of the graft.
Survival and subsequent function of free autologous nerve grafts may depend on the
diameter of the grafts and the quality of the recipient site, but not on the length
of the grafts, when timely revascularization from the surrounding tissues is present.
