A novel tracheal tissue connector for fixation of laryngeal prostheses

A tissue connector (TC), basically consisting of a ring that will be integrated into the trachea, is under development to study the fixation of laryngeal prostheses. Two experiments have been performed to test the TC in goats. In experiment 1, a polypropylene mesh was implanted around the trachea. The meshes were explanted after 6 and 12 weeks. In experiment 2, the actual TC consisted of two titanium rings (inner ring and outer ring) executed as quarter rings, fixed on each other, and a polypropylene mesh like a sandwich in between. The titanium inner ring was implanted between two tracheal rings thus penetrating the trachea with the mesh around the trachea and the fixed titanium outer ring on the outside of the trachea. The TCs were removed after 12 weeks. Experiment 1 showed that the mesh was entirely infiltrated by host tissue. Inflammatory cells and high vascularisation were observed in 3 of 4 implants. However, in experiment 2, the mesh was completely incorporated by mature connective tissue without inflammation reaction. At some areas, deposition of cartilage tissue was observed. In conclusion, the TC was firmly embedded in the trachea thus being appropriate for its intended use.