The Effect of Acidity on the Electrical Barrier of Trachea

Abstract

Regenerative Medicine. Two procedures were performed on cadaveric animals, and 2 survival surgeries were performed on live animals. Our technique combined a segment of fixed, cellfree cadaveric donor trachea and adipose or marrow derived stem cells harvested from the recipient animal. These acellular donor conduits were seeded with host stem cells and implanted.Results: Tracheal reconstruction for tracheal stenosis is an evolving field. Recent success using a stem-cell based engineered trachea required a prolonged incubation ex vivo in a novel "bioreactor." Taking this idea a step further, a single-stage method would be optimal. After completion of both cadaveric surgeries, the surgical procedure was optimized. The following 2 liveanimal procedures were successful demonstrations of the ability to suspend stem cells in fibrin glue, seed the conduit, and replace a segment of trachea. Although both animals were euthanized following completion according to approved IACUC protocol, the final animal was extubated prior to euthanasia, and demonstrated comfortable, spontaneous respiration. Conclusion:Based on pilot study technical success of short segment tracheal replacement with the use of fixed donor trachea and stem cell support, additional animal studies with extended follow-up will provide the necessary data to improve tracheal reconstruction in a single-stage surgical model.