Tracheal reconstruction

Surgical techniques

We developed a new reconstruction technique to resolve a restenosis and a long-segment stenosis. (Click on the links to view/hide the consecutive images.)

a. Composite repair tissue is created by bringing buccal mucosa to the radial forearm fascia. The composite tissue (buccal mucosa + fascia) will be used to resolve a restenosis

 
Formation of composite tissue

b. The stenotic airway is incised longitudinally (1) and the stenotic segment is expanded (2).

 
Incision and expansion of restenosis and long-segment stenosis

c. A radial forearm fascia flap lined with buccal mucosa is introduced into the defect.
The composite tissue is sutured into the airway defect and the radial artery and vein are sutured to the neck vessels. A tracheal stent can be used to support the reconstruction.

 
Tracheal reconstruction with composite tissue and stent

d. A sufficient airway lumen is seen after removal of the stent.

Restenosis	Long segment stenosis

 
Tracheal reconstruction with composite tissue

View movie: Mucosa-lined fascia for restenosis - (Quicktime - 28 Mbytes) - Download Quicktime