Decellularized tracheal prelamination implant: A proposed bilateral double organ technique

Introduction In tracheal replacement transplantation, prelamination is a critical stage. Nowadays, the most widely used prelamination technique is the prethoracic fascia flap with lateral thoracic artery. We propose a flap based on the internal thoracic artery, which allows a relatively non-aggressive double organ implant, and we have tested its efficacy in decellularized tracheas. Material and methods Tracheas of albino New Zealand rabbits were decellularized following a protocol that uses detergents and cryogenization, sterilized with 1kGy gamma radiation and tutorized with a stent. Bilateral pedicled flaps made of pectoral fascia and a muscular component were harvested through a longitud…