{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.018194070080862535, 'fraction_numerical': 0.0033692722371967657, 'mean_word_length': 4.987903225806452, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 0, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
Tracheal Reconstruction with a Synthetic Material in a Porcine Model

The technique of tracheal reconstruction with costal cartilage or a pericardial patch has resulted in successful management of many patients with tracheal stenosis. Yet, it is often difficult, if not impossible, to harvest enough cartilage in a neonate. Pericardial patches are flimsy and can collapse. This pilot study evaluated the use of absorbable plates made of an alloplastic material, Lactosorb, as a substitute for cartilage on a growing porcine trachea. The rectangular plates were fashioned into an inverted U and placed into the airway through an anterior tracheal split. This placement resulted in granulation formation and failure. The plates were then fashioned into an I configuration and placed inside and outside the tracheal lumen. This attempt also resulted in failure, secondary to respiratory distress. Finally, the plates were fashioned into an inverted U and placed outside the trachea. In 67% of the subjects, the distraction was maintained and growth continued for the duration of the study. The stent was completely absorbed, with minimal scar or granulation tissue, in 4 months. In 1 subject, the stent migrated, and 1 subject died of a mucous plug. This study suggests that Lactosorb has no role in intraluminal stenting, but that it may be a viable alternative to a pericardial patch or cartilage in tracheal reconstruction when it is placed outside the airway lumen in a young animal.