Nerve regeneration through autogenous vein grafts: an SEM evaluation.

The role of autogenous vein grafts in nerve regeneration was studied in a rat model. Three groups of animals underwent autogenous vein grafting for ischiatic nerve regeneration, and were sacrificed 30, 60, and 90 days after surgery. Samples obtained were processed for S.E.M. study. Nerve regeneration consisted of two stages: the first (up to 60 days) was characterized by the presence of active endothelial cells; the second (after 60 days) by cell disappearance, with the venous wall acting as a protective conduit throughout both steps. Complete qualitative morphologic and functional studies of neural regeneration are presented, confirming previous investigations.