ISSN:
0021-9304
Keywords:
Chemistry
;
Polymer and Materials Science
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Medicine
,
Technology
Notes:
The trachea is a rather simple structure, and partly because of this simplicity, many attempts have been made to effect replacement with various types of prosthetic tubes. Unfortunately, the basic design of the trachea is not easily duplicated, and thus far there is no completely satisfactory prosthetic replacement. A series of porous and non-porous ceramics implanted in muscle tissue of rabbits indicated that rigid, porous materials can be compatible with soft, viable tissue. A prosthesis of porous ceramic rings and alternate bands of Dacron mesh was constructed and employed to bridge 6-cm defects created in the tracheas of mongrel dogs. After 6 months an asymptomatic animal was sacrificed. Firm fixation was accomplished and the lumen was completely patent, but histological sections demonstrated that ingrowth and scarring did not satisfactorily contain bacterial infection. Encouragement of epithelial regeneration or some artificial barrier is necessary for successful implants. Work in progress includes devices using both methods to provide this barrier.
Additional Material:
10 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jbm.820050616
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