Airway Reconstruction with Autologous Pulmonary Tissue Flap and an Elastic Metallic Stent

To pursue a suitable central airway replacement, we conducted central airway reconstruction using autologous pulmonary tissue flaps lined with alloy stents in five patients after extensive tracheal resection. Preoperative and postoperative arterial blood gas analysis and pulmonary function tests were used to evaluate efficacy of this technique. All patients demonstrated improved arterial blood gas values and pulmonary function. Follow-up bronchoscopy and chest computed tomography scan showed that each reconstructed trachea lacked swing or structural damage, and that each transplanted pulmonary tissue flap had ample blood circulation. After as long as 84 months follow-up, four patients reported no complications, although one patient died from severe hemoptysis 14 months after the surgery. The application of central airway reconstruction using an autologous pulmonary tissue flap lined with an elastic metallic stent provides a promising alternative for patients with thoracic tracheal defects.