[Biomechanical characteristics of the trachea and its reconstruction]

Under uniaxial loading, the mechanical properties of fifteen canine tracheas were tested by CSS-2100 electronic universal testing machine, (produced by Changchun Institute of Testing Machines), which was equipped with X-Y recorder, deformation testing gauge and Super Computer, etc. Tracheas of 22 healthy adult dogs were divided into 3 groups. The 1st group contained normal tracheas, the 2nd group contained tracheas medially cut and the tension test. These features from one-dimension tensile anastomosed end-to-end with 0.2 mm silk sutures. The 3rd group contained those anastomosed with 0.3 mm silk sutures. The results showed that in the 1st group although there was a nonlinear stress-strain relationship, the linear segment was not clear. The stress produced by the suture formed the incisive force because of small section area and stress concentration. The thickness of the membrane paries of the canine trachea was greater than that of the annular ligament, but smaller than that of the cartilage ring. The length of the membrane paries was smaller than that of the cartilage ring. Consequently, an uneven stress distribution was seen. The results of this experiment might serve as a basis for further research on the biomechanical implications of human trachea reconstruction.