E. Martinod et al., Metaplastic transformation of an aortic autograft into a tracheal tissue. Surgical implications, CR AC S III, 323(5), 2000, pp. 455-460
Citations number
11
Categorie Soggetti
Multidisciplinary,"Experimental Biology
Journal title
COMPTES RENDUS DE L ACADEMIE DES SCIENCES SERIE III-SCIENCES DE LA VIE-LIFE SCIENCES
Tracheal reconstruction after extensive resection remains an unsolved surgi
cal problem. Numerous attempts have been made using tracheal grafts or pros
thetic conduits with disappointing results. In this study, we propose a new
alternative using an aortic autograft as tracheal substitute. In a first s
eries of experiments, a half circumference of two rings was replaced with a
n autologous carotid artery patch. In a second series, a complete segment o
f trachea was replaced with an autologous aortic graft supported by an endo
luminal tracheal stent. No dehiscence or stenosis was observed. Microscopic
examinations at 3 and 6 months showed the replacement of the aortic tissue
by tracheal tissue comprising neoformation of cartilage and mucociliary or
non-keratinizing metaplastic polystratified squamous epithelium. Although
these results need to be confirmed by a larger series of experiments, they
showed that a vascular tissue placed in a different environment with a diff
erent function can be submitted to a metaplastic transformation which tends
to restore a normal structure adapted to its new function. These remarkabl
e findings offer new perspectives in tracheal reconstruction in human. (C)
2000 Academie des sciences/Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS
.