Tracheal transplant with a prefabricated microsurgical flap.
OBJECTIVE
To test the viability of a tracheal autotransplant, with an original technique using a prefabricated flap from a complete tracheal neovascularized segment (CTNVS) of the sternohyoid muscle anastomosed by a microsurgical technique.


METHODS
An experimental study using dogs as an animal model.


METHODS
Ten mongrel dogs weighing 23 to 40 kg were divided into two groups: group I (control), five animals submitted to autotransplant of the CTNVS without a microsurgical vascular anastomosis; and group II, five dogs submitted to autotransplant of the CTNVS with a microsurgical vascular anastomosis.


RESULTS
All group I dogs developed respiratory insufficiency and died because of necrosis and stenosis of the autotransplanted CTNVS, whereas all group II dogs completed a minimum period of 90 days of observation without any clinical changes. Macro- and microscopic analysis revealed intact tracheal structures.


CONCLUSIONS
The present clinical and morphological findings demonstrate that the CTNVS autotransplant is viable, when a microsurgical vascular anastomosis is used.
Icibaci
Alexan
A
Department of Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Centro Integrado de Estudos de Deformidades da Face, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University Hospital, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. aicibaci@uol.com.br
de Mello-Filho
Francisco Veríssimo
FV
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods*; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement / Q000379:methods*; D014132:Trachea / Q000098:blood supply / Q000637:transplantation*; D014133:Tracheal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods