New experimental method for the repair of tracheal defects.

The use of bovine carotid artery xenografts to repair partial defects of the cervical and thoracic canine trachea as well as the covering of bronchial stumps was observed up to 32 months after surgery. Healing occurred without problems, and scanning electron microscopy revealed subsequent ciliary epithelialization of the entire graft surface (2 X 2-5 X 1.9 cm). Functionally, the grafts replaced the tracheal wall adequately. The use of resorbable suture material facilitates healing and avoids excessive formation of inflammation and granulation tissue observed with nonresorbable suture material of any kind.