Laryngotracheal reconstruction in canines: fixation of autologous costochondral grafts using polylactic and polyglycolic acid miniplates. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2001 May;127(5):570-5
Date
05/18/2001Pubmed ID
11346435DOI
10.1001/archotol.127.5.570Scopus ID
2-s2.0-0035036631 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 17 CitationsAbstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine the feasibility of a new method of laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) that uses a bioabsorbable plating system consisting of polylactic and polyglycolic acid and provides some advantages over currently used methods.
DESIGN AND INTERVENTIONS: Anterior subglottic stenosis was created in 10 beagles that then underwent LTR using an autologous costochondral graft. External laryngotracheal framework and cartilage grafts were secured using a sheet and screws made from a copolymer composed of polylactic and polyglycolic acid. Animals were humanely killed at 40, 60, and 90 days, and specimens were submitted for pathological examination. Histologic analysis included evaluation for inflammatory reaction, polylactic and polyglycolic acid incorporation into cartilage, cartilage necrosis, cartilage remodeling, and graft epithelialization.
RESULTS: All animals underwent LTR after creation of a subglottic stenosis without episodes of airway compromise. After LTR, all airways were returned to prestenosis diameter without significant complication, and all animals were immediately extubated after surgery without difficulty. After the animals were killed, distraction of the stenotic cricoid area was demonstrated in 100% of the cases. Significant necrosis was noted in 2 of 10 grafts grossly; however, histologic analysis demonstrated significant areas of viable cartilage, areas of cartilage remodeling, and good epithelialization despite graft necrosis. Complete epithelialization of grafts was noted in the other 8 specimens.
CONCLUSIONS: Using a canine model, we demonstrated a bioabsorbable plating system that offers an effective method for LTR. This model has the advantages of providing external support to the operated laryngeal and tracheal framework, elimination of the difficulties of suture placement, and potential future failure while offering rigid external fixation of a cartilage graft.
Author List
Long CM, Conley SF, Kajdacsy-Balla A, Kerschner JEAuthors
Joseph E. Kerschner MD Provost, Executive Vice President, Dean, Professor in the School of Medicine Administration department at Medical College of WisconsinChristopher M. Long MD Chief, Associate Professor in the Otolaryngology department at Medical College of Wisconsin
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Absorbable ImplantsAnimals
Cartilage
Dogs
Female
Lactic Acid
Laryngostenosis
Larynx
Polyesters
Polyglycolic Acid
Polymers
Ribs
Trachea
Transplantation, Autologous