Experimental study of a porous rat tracheal prosthesis made of T40: long-term survival analysis

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2004 Oct;261(9):484-8. doi: 10.1007/s00405-003-0717-5. Epub 2003 Dec 4.

Abstract

In order to repair large defects in the laryngotracheal area, we developed a biomaterial based on porous titanium (Ti40) formed of spherical particles that are welded together. These Ti40 beads were arranged in several layers to create the rat tracheal prosthesis. After a partial tracheal resection, the prosthesis was fixed to both extremities to replace the missing part. Tissue surrounding the prosthesis was collected from 33 surviving animals after an implantation period of 3 to 12 months. Histological analyses showed that the periphery of the prosthesis was covered with fibroblasts and a few lymphocytes that penetrated the titanium layers. A ciliary cylindrical epithelium of respiratory type was found on the endoluminal side. The inflammatory reaction observed was minimal. These data indicate that the prosthesis, implanted in a laryngotracheal environment, is well tolerated by animals. Our results represent the first step towards the construction of a total laryngeal prosthesis that should allow restoration of the essential functions of the larynx after a laryngectomy in cancer treatment.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Bioprosthesis*
  • Esophagus / pathology
  • Esophagus / surgery*
  • Male
  • Materials Testing
  • Models, Animal
  • Porosity
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Prosthesis Failure
  • Prosthesis Implantation
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Risk Factors
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Surface Properties
  • Survival Rate
  • Titanium*

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Titanium