title: Tracheal reconstruction with asymmetrically porous polycaprolactone/pluronic F127 membranes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Congenital and acquired tracheal stenosis continues to be challenging problems. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an asymmetrically porous membrane (APM) to induce tracheal reconstruction by inhibition of granulation tissue growth into the tracheal lumen whereas minimizing graft failure.
  
  
  METHODS
  The APM was fabricated with polycaprolactone (PCL) and pluronic F127 to have nano-size pores at top side, whereas the bottom side had micro-size pores. Fifteen rabbits underwent tracheal defect, which was then reconstructed with the APM. Rabbits were euthanized 1, 4, and 12 weeks postoperatively, and endoscopic, histologic, and radiologic evaluations were conducted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Endoscopy did not reveal granulation ingrowth into tracheal lumen. APM was well incorporated into the surrounding tissue on histologic evaluation. CT scans showed well maintained airways.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Off-the-shelf use of APM for tracheal reconstruction seems to be a promising strategy in the treatment of tracheal defects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Seong Keun
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Kwon
authors.forename: Jae-Jun
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Song
authors.forename: Chang Gun
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: Seok-Won
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Jin Rae
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Se Heang
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Oh
authors.forename: Jin Ho
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D020442:Poloxamer; D011091:Polyesters; D011817:Rabbits; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D012038:Regeneration; D014132:Trachea / Q000502:physiology*; D014135:Tracheal Stenosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011091:Polyesters; D020442:Poloxamer; C016240:polycaprolactone
keywords: asymmetrically porous membrane; polycaprolactone; prosthesis; reconstruction; trachea