[Experimental study on a novel esophageal prosthesis made of composite biomaterials].
OBJECTIVE
To design and develop a novel esophageal prosthesis by selecting appropriate biomaterials, developing special manufacturing techniques, and investigating the feasibility of replacement of cervical esophagus in mongrel dogs.


METHODS
In accordance with the requirements of ideal esophageal substitutes, we designed a new type of esophageal prostheses. The inner stent were made with polyurethane of medical grade, and the outer surface of the prosthesis was coated with collagen-chitosan sponge. The silicone tube was used as a control. Thirteen adult mongrel dogs that were divided into two groups were used to establish the experimental models.


RESULTS
In the experimental group (n = 8), the esophageal prostheses were completely incorporated with the native esophagus and adherent to the surrounding host connective tissues. Epithelial linings of varying degrees were formed on the luminal surface, and complete epithelization was seen in 1 month postoperatively. The granulation at the sites of the anastomosis in this group was less significant than that of the control group. One dog has been surviving for 12 months up to now without any complications. In the control group (n = 5), esophageal epithelial was not observed on the luminal surface, constriction of the regenerated esophagus progressed and all the dogs died within 2 months after operation.


CONCLUSIONS
These observations suggest that this esophageal prosthesis made of composite biomaterials has high biocompatibility and potential for long-segment esophageal reconstruction, which is promising for the clinical repair of esophageal defects.
Qin
Xiong
X
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China.
Xu
Zhi-fei
ZF
Shi
Hong-can
HC
Zhao
Xue-wei
XW
Sun
Kang
K
Gao
Xiang-yang
XY
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000818:Animals; D001187:Artificial Organs; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D048271:Chitosan; D003094:Collagen; D004285:Dogs; D004947:Esophagus; D020007:Implants, Experimental; D023421:Models, Animal; D011140:Polyurethanes; D011474:Prosthesis Design / Q000379:methods*; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011140:Polyurethanes; D003094:Collagen; D048271:Chitosan