Investigations into tracheal prosthetic reconstruction

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Abstract
Reconstruction of circumferential tracheal defects may be necessary following trauma or oncologic surgery. For defects up to approximately 6 centimeters in an adult, an end-to-end anastomosis appears to be the method of choice. Larger defects may require utilization of a tracheal prosthesis. In dogs, a tracheal prosthesis constructed of Dacron® polyurethane mesh (Osteomesh®) was found to well tolerated following a two-stage implantation procedure. Normal confluent respiratory epithelium was identified in the lumen of the prosthesis. Previously reported difficulties with recurrent granulation tissue at the areas of anastomosis appear to have been successfully avoided.