Replacement of a tracheal segment by a mixed graft (aorta and prosthesis):an experimental study in rabbits

Objective: To develop a new graft and to verify its technical feasibility, viability, and ability to reduce the risk of infection by interposition of an aortic segment between the airway and the prosthetic component of the gr aft. Design: Experimental study. Setting: Multicentre study, France. Animals: 38 New Zealand rabbits. Introduction: A 1 cm aortic segment was obtained from the thoracic aorta of a rabbit and cryopreserved or stored at +4 degrees C. The aortic segment, surrounded by a ringed expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) prosthesis was used to replace 1 cm of cervical trachea in two groups of rabbits, eith er with cryopreserved or fresh aorta. Main outcome measures: Macroscopic, microbiological, and histological studi es four months later. Results: 12/20 animals in the cryopreserved group survived and 13/18 in tho se had had fresh aorta inserted. Partial or total necrosis of the aortic mu scular layer was replaced by connective tissue, which was a guide for epith elialisation from the anastomoses. Conclusion: This new graft is worthy of further investigation, as it is tec hnically feasible and easy to insert.