Tracheal reconstruction: mucosal survival on porous titanium.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether porous titanium can provide a better support for revascularization of a mucosal graft ideal for tracheal reconstruction. In patients with laryngotracheal stenosis or tumor, the mucosa with supporting structures can be damaged, resulting in a defect that has to be reconstructed. Autologous tissues like cartilage and mucosa have been used for reconstruction. The main problem has been incomplete mucosal reepithelialization.


METHODS
In the first experiment, porous titanium or ear cartilage was combined with mucosa and implanted subcutaneously in athymic mice for different periods of time. In the second experiment, using rabbits, surgically created defects were reconstructed with porous titanium and mucosa on a pedicled fascia flap using a 2-stage procedure. The implants were analyzed with emphasis on angiogenesis and mucosal survival.


METHODS
Male New Zealand white rabbits and nude athymic mice (BALB-c nu/nu).


RESULTS
Normal mucosa having a submucosal layer with vital cells was noted on top of the titanium. Multiple blood vessels were observed extending from the muscle layer through the titanium. Cytokeratin expression was detected in the suprabasal and basal layers of the mucosal epithelium. In contrast, the mucosa on cartilage showed no vital cells and no cytokeratin expression. In the rabbit experiment, all animals survived the reconstruction. The titanium was well integrated to the adjacent tracheal cartilage and surrounding tissues, supporting a fully vital mucosa.


CONCLUSIONS
Porous titanium is an inert biomaterial that provides support and allows easy revascularization of a mucosal graft. Titanium, in combination with viable autologous tissues, is a good alternative for tracheal reconstruction.
Janssen
Luuk M
LM
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
van Osch
Gerjo J V M
GJ
Li
Jia Ping
JP
Kops
Nicole
N
de Groot
Klaas
K
Von den Hoff
Johannes W
JW
Feenstra
Louw
L
Hardillo
José A U
JA
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004425:Ear Cartilage; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D011817:Rabbits; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D020545:Respiratory Mucosa / Q000098:blood supply*; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds; D014025:Titanium; D014132:Trachea / Q000601:surgery*
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D014025:Titanium