title: Surgisis patch tracheoplasty in a rodent model for tracheal stenosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Tracheal stenosis is a challenging surgical problem that can require reconstruction using autologous grafts or artificial stents. In this study, we evaluate the efficacy of Surgisis, a commercially available, biocompatible, acellular matrix, in the repair of a critical-size tracheal defect.
  
  
  METHODS
  A full-thickness defect (2 mm x 6 mm) was created in tracheal rings 4 through 6 in adult rats. A piece of 8-ply Surgisis (Cook; Bloomington, IN) was sutured to the edges of the defect with interrupted 8-0 polypropylene sutures. In control animals, the defect was closed primarily. The trachea was harvested at 4 weeks and prepared for histologic evaluation using conventional techniques. Cross-sectional area and perimeters were calculated using imaging software.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Tracheal defects without patch repair (n = 3) resulted in tracheal stenosis and immediate death. Animals that underwent Surgisis patch repair of tracheal defects (n = 10) tolerated the procedure well and had no audible stridor or evidence of respiratory distress. Eight of ten animals survived 4 weeks. The tracheal lumen was patent with no evidence of contracture or degradation of the Surgisis. Histologically, neovascularization of the Surgisis was noted with moderate inflammation. The surface of the Surgisis patch was covered ith a lining of ciliated epithelial cells.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In the rodent model, Surgisis appears to be an efficacious method for the patch repair of partial circumferential tracheal defects. Surgisis appears to be a safe and promising means of facilitating neovascularization and tissue regeneration. The long-term use of Surgisis warrants further investigation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Daniel A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: De Ugarte
authors.forename: Devin
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Puapong
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Roostaeian
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gillis
authors.forename: Eric W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Fonkalsrud
authors.forename: James B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Atkinson
authors.forename: James C Y
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Dunn
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000473:pathology; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D014132:Trachea / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D014135:Tracheal Stenosis / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials