Patent ID: 7163545

Claim:
An implant for bridging a gap in a severed spinal cord or nerve and for promoting nerve regeneration, the implant comprising: a matrix comprising a biocompatible, biodegradable, polymeric material and a bioactive agent dispersed within the matrix, the matrix having a proximal end for connection to a first end of a severed spinal cord or nerve and a distal end for connection to a second end of the severed spinal cord or nerve, wherein the matrix includes a plurality of internal guidance channels extending between the proximal end of the matrix and the distal end of the matrix to facilitate rejoining of the first end of the severed spinal cord or nerve and the second end of the severed spinal cord or nerve, and wherein the bioactive agent is a proteoglycan degrading enzyme, and the guidance channels are spaced apart adjacent a perimeter of the matrix at the proximaI end of the matrix and converge inward toward the axis of the matrix at the distal end of the matrix.