new brace for maintaining the neck in a suitable position following tracheal reconstruction

ABSTRACT

Segmental resection and end-to-end anastomosis is the treatment of choice for patients suffering from tracheal stenosis for whom conservative management is not planned. A complication of this procedure is tension-induced anastomotic failure. To prevent this complication, maintaining the neck in full flexion by means of a suture between the chin and upper chest is a traditional approach. We have designed a new brace [Shiraz brace] that securely supports the neck in this position and decreases the bothersome use of the suture alone