Experimental study of a new porous tracheal prosthesis.

We studied the efficacy of a new tracheal prosthesis made of expanded polytetrafluorethylene reinforced with spiral silicone rings to repair circumferential tracheal defects in rabbits. Results showed an adequate consistency of prosthesis, adequate tolerance without producing tracheal stenoses, and impermeability to air, allowing a correct invasion by granulation tissue. This process was faster than any found in any other porous tracheal implant so far tested. We proved that epithelialization results from capillary invasion through the prosthetic pores and from growth from both tracheal ends. We conclude that this prosthetic material can be useful in repairing tracheal defects and may be the optimal tracheal graft for humans.