Revascularization of tracheal transplants with omentum]

In a series of 6 dogs we performed an autotransplantation of a four-ring segment of the thoracic trachea. In 3 cases the omentum was brought into the chest and wrapped around the transplant (omentum group) and compared with the others (control group). After 20 days or at occurrence of severe tracheal stenosis the study was determined. In the omentum group all tracheal transplants healed with structural integrity. Microfil injection into the gastro-epiploic artery demonstrated revascularization through omental vessels. In the control group all transplants developed a severe stenosis due to chondromalacia within 2 weeks. In conclusion: The omentum can successfully revascularize a transplant of a four-ring segment of the thoracic trachea.