Incorporation of microporous Teflon tracheal prostheses in rabbits: evaluation of surgical aspects.

Because tracheal prostheses made of nonporous silicone rubber develop granulation tissue at the anastomoses, we tested a prosthesis made of a microporous material (polytetrafluoroethylene, Teflon) to see whether this problem could be avoided and the prosthesis could be successfully incorporated (luminal side covered by connective tissue and epithelium). At various times after implantation in the cervical trachea of rabbits, the prostheses were inspected macroscopically for obstruction of the prosthesis lumen (lumen reduced by one-third or more) and microscopically for incorporation and inflammatory reaction (concentration of inflammatory cells) of the prosthesis. The prosthesis was successfully incorporated within 2-4 weeks in most rabbits without granulation tissue at the anastomoses. Two complications were infection of the prosthesis before incorporation was completed and obstruction of the lumen in the center of the prosthesis by granulation tissue or a deformed prosthesis wall. Both problems can be overcome, the first by giving an appropriate antibiotic for a longer period and the second by making a stiffer prosthesis. Thus, the microporous Teflon prosthesis is potentially useful as a tracheal prosthesis in rabbits.