ANIMAL MODEL OF UPPERAIRWAY INJURY AND STENOSIS TREATMENT

Abstract

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Background & Aim. In this research we developed a pig model of mucosal layer injury and subsequent stenosis in trachea and bronchi and a new method of fixing of a tissue-engineering graft inside the trachea to cover the injury and improve а tracheal mucosa reparation. Material and Methods. Domestic pigs weighing about 35 kg were used as an experimental model. Animal underwent 2 bronchoscope-assisted operations. First step was creating a full-thickness mucosal and perichondrium injury using biopsy forceps and electrocoagulation with subsequent development of benign post-traumatic stricture of the bronchus. The second operation performed after 60 days included creation of new full-thickness mucosal defect involving stenosis and covering it with porous colla-gen-based scaffold fixed by nitinol stent. All operations were carried out using intravenous anesthesia, at the first-step operation an artificial ventilation was required. Results and Discussion. We developed a new and the least traumatic model of tracheobronchial epithelial injury and stenosis. We also offer a new approach for treatment of mucosal injury of upper airways, covering it with tissue-engineering scaffold fixed by stent. The requirements for scaffold and stent are formulated in this report. Conclusions. The described experimental model allows to simulate the damage of the upper airways of any extent, and to influence the regenerative process in different ways. Regarding offered treatment of airway injury, there is essential to choose the size and other characteristics of stent and scaffold individually. Tracheal stent that would fit all requirements discussed in report is still to be invented.