Successful revascularization of large isolated tracheal segments

Abstract

The omentum has been shown to be of use in clinical and experimental revascularization of tracheobronchial anastomoses. We have evaluated the possibility of revascularizing large and completely isolated tracheal segments while preserving the main tracheal characteristics. Ten experiments were performed in dogs, introducing 10-14 cartilage ring tracheal segments enveloped in omentum into the abdomen. Revascularization resulted in all cases with preservation of tracheal consistency. In only two cases were small mucosal necrotic zones observed. The experimental model thus appears to be of use in the revascularization of large tracheal segments, with excellent preservation of both cartilage and mucosa.