Experimental Study on Reconstruction of the Trachea with Marlex Mesh

Abstract

Circumferencial defect 7 rings in length-were created in the cervical trachea of 16 mongrel dogs and replaced with tube of open heavy Marlex mesh covered with pericardial flap. “Sling suture” technique was used for alleviating tension at the anastomotic portion.
There was one anesthetic death. Two dog died from complication of the procedure. One dog disappeared 53 days after operation.
Six animals have been killed for study. All cases were followed bronchoscopically.
Neither infection nor significant air leak was noted. Migration and dehiscence of the graft did not occur. Significant stenosis was found in three dogs at the anastomotic portion. In the majority of animals, this prosthesis has continued to function as a satisfactory graft for segmental defect in the cervical trachea for periods up to 6 months.
We are working to make better prosthesis in terms of the lining of ciliated colummer epitherium and of the prevention of stenosis at the anastomotic portion.