Replacement of the trachea with dura mater. Experimental work.

Results in a series of 30 dogs subjected to tracheal resection and repair are described. The dogs were divided into three groups. Seven to ten rings of the trachea were resected and then were replaced by a prosthesis made of dura mater and stainless steel wire. Different aspects of the procedures for respiratory support in the three groups are evaluated, as are the different kinds of prostheses used. Our results with ventilatory studies showed taht the mose effective means of respiratory support was insertion of an endotracheal tube after thoracotomy. Among the prostheses, the one used in the third group of dogs, a stainless steel spring covered with only one layer of dura mater, allowed a longer survival period but eventually caused late scarring and stenosis.