Axoguard Nerve Connector®

Axoguard Nerve Connector is a semi-translucent coaptation aid designed for Connector-Assisted Repair® (CAR) of a transected nerve with a gap up to 5 mm.

3D scaffold that allows for vascularization, cell infiltration and remodeling1

connector solutions

  • Connector-Assisted Repair alleviates tension and suture-related inflammation at the critical zone of regeneration.2-4
  • Connector-Assisted Repair provides an alternative to direct repair that reduces the potential for axonal escape and aiding alignment of nerve ends.
  • Axoguard® porcine small intestine submucosa (SIS) vascularizes and remodels into the patient’s own tissue, creating a physical barrier to surrounding soft tissue.5
  • Intra-operative versatility aids in reinforcing the coaptation site of direct, graft or cable graft repairs.

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#1

U.S. market leader*

in off-the-shelf nerve reconstruction solutions.

50%

increased likelihood of pain

at the coaptation site when primary suture is used versus CAR with various conduits.2

SIS

porcine SIS material

offers excellent flexibility and is semi-translucent compared to opaque collagen conduits.

the importance of biomaterials

In a pre-clinical study conducted to evaluate host tissue response, porcine small intestine submucosa (SIS, Axoguard Nerve Connector) performed significantly better than cross-linked bovine collagen type I (CLC, Integra NeuraGen®) in all outcomes and categories.

Specifically, the study provided evidence that SIS had increased levels of M2 (pro-healing) macrophages which are indicative of a remodeling response, while CLC had increased levels of M1 (pro-inflammatory) macrophages indicative of a chronic inflammatory response.6,7

M1 and M2 Macrophage Distribution

host inflammatory response

indications

INDICATIONS FOR USE: Axoguard Nerve Connector is indicated for the repair of peripheral nerve discontinuities where gap closure can be achieved by flexion of the extremity. The device is supplied sterile and is intended for one-time use.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: This device is derived from porcine source and should not be used for patients with known sensitivity to porcine material.

 

ordering information

Code Dimensions
AGX110 1.5 mm x 10 mm
AGX210 2 mm x 10 mm
AGX310 3 mm x 10 mm
AGX410 4 mm x 10 mm
AGX510 5 mm x 10 mm
AGX610 6 mm x 10 mm
AGX710 7 mm x 10 mm
Code Dimensions
AGX115 1.5 mm x 15 mm
AGX215 2 mm x 15 mm
AGX315 3 mm x 15 mm
AGX415 4 mm x 15 mm
AGX515 5 mm x 15 mm
AGX615 6 mm x 15 mm
AGX715 7 mm x 15 mm

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references

  1. Nihsen ES, et al. Bioactivity of small intestinal submucosa and oxidized regenerated cellulose/collagen. Adv Skin Wound Care. Oct 2008;21(10):479-486.
  2. Ducic I, et al. Refinements of nerve repair with connector-assisted coaptation. Microsurgery. 2017;37(3):256-263.
  3. Postlethwait RW, et al. Human tissue reaction to sutures. Ann Surg. Feb 1975;181(2):144-150.
  4. Schmidhammer 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. Mar 2004;56(3):571-584.
  5. Kokkalis ZT, et al. Assessment of processed porcine extracellular matrix as a protective barrier in a rabbit nerve wrap model. J Reconstr Microsurg. Jan 2011;27(1):19-28.
  6. Weigert A, et al. Redox-signals and macrophage biology. Mol Aspects Med. Oct 2018;63:70-87.
  7. Zhukauskas R, et al. A comparative study of porcine small intestine submucosa and cross-linked bovine type I collagen as a nerve conduit. J Hand Surg Glob Online. Jul 2021;in press.