ABEA049 - Using A Porcine Model For Development Of Hybrid Tracheas For Long-segment Tracheal Reconstruction
Sunday, May 1, 2022
9:25 AM – 9:31 AM CT
Location: Landmark D
Orna Katz Kadosh, Ivanna Nebor, Jenna S Hall, Chia-Ying Lin, Alessandro de Alarcón
Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center,University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Pediatric Otolaryngology Clinical Fellow Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Harvard Medical School Boston, Massachusetts
Objective: Long segment tracheal reconstruction presents a highly complex clinical and engineering challenge. We aimed to use three-dimensional (3D) printing technology to create bioengineered tracheal grafts for airway reconstruction in a large-animal model (porcine) that would have translational relevance.
Methods: We compared two implants. A decellularized allogeneic trachea and a 3D printed hybrid composed of tracheal extracellular matrix, coated polycaprolactone (PCL) spiral backbone with a complimentary decellularized trachea spiral. The tracheal implants were implanted into farm-bred pig bilateral latissimus dorsi muscle that served as vascularized tissue. Both implants had subcutaneous fat and tracheal biopsies morselized and injected into their lumen. One month after implantation, the implants were retrieved, and the sacrificed animal native trachea served as control. Granulation tissue and graft rejection were assessed as well as histology features.
Results: A total of 14 farm-bred Yorkshire pigs aged 7-9 weeks old participated. There was no mortality during the study period. All implants had granulation tissue within the tracheal lumen at removal. Fourteen 3D printed hybrid tracheas were implanted, 42% (6) were infected with signs of graft rejection. Twelve allograft tracheas were implanted, 25% (3) were infected with signs of graft rejection. Histological staining showed epithelial re-growth in noninfected 3D hybrid implants and strong CD31 positivity expressing neovascularization.
Conclusion: Our goal was to create a durable 3D printed hybrid trachea. After modifications to our protocol, we were able to achieve that. Future studies are needed to test the efficacy of the designed hybrid trachea in a porcine model with complete tracheal resection.