Plastipore in reconstruction of the laryngo-tracheal complex

The feasibility of using plastic material in the reconstruction of the damaged laryngotracheal complex was studied. In 6 dogs, large segments of larynx and trachea were removed and replaced by Plastipore sheets covered on the inside by free skin or mucosa grafts. It was demonstrated that the skin and mucosa covering the Plastipore--and resurfacing the airway's lumen--remained viable. However, there appeared to be inadequate incorporation of the Plastipore into the tissue, probably due to the small pore size. Larger size pores may increase the likelihood that the Plastipore will become firmly embedded in the tissue environment.