Experimental study of tracheal and bronchial prosthesis
Mori, A.
Nihon Kyobu Geka Gakkai 29(1): 74-85
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0369-4739 PMID: 7217740 Document Number: 172447
For reconstruction of circumferential defect of the trachea, homografts preserved in ficin, glutaraldehyde and ethanol were used, but high degree stenosis and degeneration occurred in all cases. Marlex mesh covered with autologous pericardium was then used. The longest survival was 6 mo., obtained in an experimental dog. Due to difficulty in obtaining a sufficient size of autologous pericardium, it is impractical for clinical use. Human fibrin membrane was next used as the covering material over the Marlex mesh. Seven rings of tracheal cartilages were resected on 12 mongrel dogs and the Marlex mesh as the skeletal structure was implanted at the defect. Human fibrin membrane was covered around the Marlex mesh. Four weeks after the implantation the fibrin membrane was gradually absorbed and by 8 wk, complete absorption of the fibrin membrane took place and a dense granulation tissue covered the artificial trachea. None of the 12 implanted tracheal prostheses showed dislocation, dehiscence or infection. Of the dogs, 1 lived for 418 days after the implantation and others lived more than 1 yr. Human fibrin membrane was considered an excellent covering material for the tracheal prosthesis. This method was considered feasible for clinical use.