Extracellular matrix for repair of type IV laryngotracheo-esophageal cleft

Type IV laryngotracheo-esophageal cleft (LTEC) extending to the level of the carina presents unique challenges to operative repair, particularly with respect to soft tissue durability. This is the first report of CorMatrix(®) extra-cellular matrix (ECM) material use as an interposition graft in a four-layered LTEC repair. At day seven post-operatively, there was epithelialization along the surface of the trachea. At 3 months, she was stable for tracheotomy. At 6 months, the posterior wall resembled completely native tissue. CorMatrix(®) ECM(®) use intra-operatively and post-operative outcome were both highly satisfactory. No adverse reaction was seen in this case through 12-month follow up.