A novel tracheal tissue connector for fixation of laryngeal prostheses

A tissue connector (TC), basically consisting of a ring that will be integr ated into the trachea, is under development to study the fixation of laryng eal prostheses. Two experiments have been performed to test the TC in goats . In experiment 1, a polypropylene mesh was implanted around the trachea. T he meshes were explanted after 6 and 12 weeks. In experiment 2, the actual TC consisted of two titanium rings (inner ring and outer ring) executed as quarter rings, fixed on each other, and a polypropylene mesh like a sandwic h in between. The titanium inner ring was implanted between two tracheal ri ngs thus penetrating the trachea with the mesh around the trachea and the f ixed titanium outer ring on the outside of the trachea. The TCs were remove d after 12 weeks. Experiment 1 showed that the mesh was entirely infiltrate d by host tissue. Inflammatory cells and high vascularisation were observed in 3 of 4 implants. However, in experiment 2, the mesh was completely inco rporated by mature connective tissue without inflammation reaction. At some areas, deposition of cartilage tissue was observed. In conclusion, the TC was firmly embedded in the trachea thus being appropriate for its intended use. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.