S‐IV‐05 Study in Hybridized Tissue Engineered Trachea by Using Acellular Trachea Scaffold

Abstract

Aim: A method for preparing acellular trachea scaffold and its effectiveness were investigated by using rabbits and dogs Methods: The sacrificed dog or rabbit trachea was collected. The spiral stent of stainless steel was inserted in the obtained trachea. To remove all of cellular components in tissues, the trachea was rinsed with sterilized 0.5% Triton X‐100 for 24 to 48 hours at ambient temperature and then for removing the detergents completely using fresh water. The acellular trachea obtained was lyophilized and sterilized by ethylene oxide gas. Before implantation, the lyophilized acellular trachea was soaked in phosphate buffered saline containing 0.5% gelatin and other adhesive molecules for 2 to 18 hours at 37 degree. After 15 mm of rabbit neck trachea was removed surgically under anesthesia, the same length of reengorged acellular rabbit trachea was implanted the removed region. In the case of dog, 50 mm of thoracic trachea was removed under the mechanical ventilation and then the same length of reengorged acellular trachea was implanted by technique of end to end anastomosis. The implanted trachea was rapped by omentum. The effectiveness of acellualr scaffold on implanted‐animals was evaluated by endoscope finding. Results: 1) The rabbits implanted reengorged‐acellular trachea survived for minimum 10 days and maximum 60 days. It was suggested that the cause of death was the infection of implantation region. 2) The dog implanted reengorged‐acellular trachea survived for over 60 days at least. The cause of death was strangulated hernia. 3) The acellular trachea containing various growth factors or cultured with fibroblasts was not always effective. Discussion: It is not necessary for the animal implanted acellular trachea to be administered the immunodepressants such as the animal implanted cryopreserved trachea. From these results, the tissue engineered acellular trachea may be more effective than the cryopreserved trachea.