Clinical Application of in Situ Tissue Engineering Using a Scaffolding Technique for Reconstruction of the Larynx and Trachea

• Published in: Annals of otology, rhinology & laryngology Vol. 117; no. 9; pp. 673 - 678
• Main Authors: Omori, Koichi, Tada, Yasuhiro, Suzuki, Teruhisa, Nomoto, Yukio, Matsuzuka, Takashi, Kobayashi, Ken, Nakamura, Tatsuo, Kanemaru, Shinichi, Yamashita, Masaru, Asato, Ryo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01-09-2008; Annals Publishing Compagny
• Subjects: Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Cricoid Cartilage - surgery; Female; Humans; Laryngostenosis - surgery; Larynx - surgery; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures - methods; Thyroid Cartilage - surgery; Thyroid Neoplasms - surgery; Tissue Engineering - methods; Tissue Scaffolds; Trachea - surgery; larynx; tissue engineering; trachea; scaffold; airway; Tissue engineering; In situ; ENT; Anatomical reconstruction; Respiratory tract; Treatment; Surgery; Larynx; Technique; Application; Trachea
• ISSN: 0003-4894; 1943-572X
• DOI: 10.1177/000348940811700908

Objectives:
The objective of the present study was to demonstrate the efficacy of the clinical application of in situ tissue engineering using a scaffolding technique for laryngeal and tracheal tissue.
Methods:
We have developed a tissue scaffold made from a Marlex mesh tube covered by collagen sponge. Based on successful animal experimental studies, in situ tissue engineering with a scaffold implant was applied to repair the larynx and trachea in 4 patients.
Results:
In 1 patient with subglottic stenosis, the thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, and cervical trachea with scarring and granulation were resected and reconstructed by use of the scaffold. In 3 patients with thyroid cancer, the trachea and cricoid cartilage with tumor invasion were resected and the scaffold was implanted into the defect. Postoperative endoscopy during the observation period of 8 to 34 months showed a well-epithelialized airway lumen without any obstruction.
Conclusions:
Our current technique of in situ tissue engineering using a scaffold shows great potential for use in the regeneration of airway defects.