Myo-osseous intercostal pedicle flaps for tracheal reconstruction in puppies

We evaluated a myo-osseous intercostal pedicle flap for distal tracheal reconstruction. Mongrel puppies, 6 to 10 weeks old, underwent tracheal repair, 12 for primary defects and seven for stenotic lesions created in the distal trachea. A composite flap was constructed from the anterior portion of the fourth rib with the overlying pleura and periosteum and a posteriorly based intercostal muscle/neurovascular pedicle. The animals did well following tracheal reconstruction without evidence of airway obstruction. Bronchoscopy documented normal tracheal diameter and the repair site could not be discerned from the surrounding mucosa. Histologically, there was complete respiratory epithelial ingrowth with no inflammatory changes. The rib graft had active hematopoietic marrow. This work suggests that the myo-osseous intercostal pedicle flap provides a surface for normal epithelial ingrowth of tracheal mucosa without stimulating granulation tissue, interposes a stent capable of growth, therefore minimizing anastomotic stricture, and is an effective alternative in the management of distal tracheal stenosis.