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Review
. 2016 Nov;125(11):873-885.
doi: 10.1177/0003489416656646. Epub 2016 Jul 12.

Clinical Translation of Tissue Engineered Trachea Grafts

Tendy Chiang  1 , Victoria Pepper  2 , Cameron Best  3 , Ekene Onwuka  4 , Christopher K Breuer  2
Affiliations
Review

Clinical Translation of Tissue Engineered Trachea Grafts

Tendy Chiang et al. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2016 Nov.

Abstract

Objective: To provide a state-of-the-art review discussing recent achievements in tissue engineered tracheal reconstruction.

Data sources and review methods: A structured PubMed search of the current literature up to and including October 2015. Representative articles that discuss the translation of tissue engineered tracheal grafts (TETG) were reviewed.

Conclusions: The integration of a biologically compatible support with autologous cells has resulted in successful regeneration of respiratory epithelium, cartilage, and vascularization with graft patency, although the optimal construct composition has yet to be defined. Segmental TETG constructs are more commonly complicated by stenosis and delayed epithelialization when compared to patch tracheoplasty.

Implications for practice: The recent history of human TETG recipients represents revolutionary proof of principle studies in regenerative medicine. Application of TETG remains limited to a compassionate use basis; however, defining the mechanisms of cartilage formation, epithelialization, and refinement of in vivo regeneration will advance the translation of TETG from the bench to the bedside.

Keywords: airway reconstruction; regenerative medicine; tissue engineering; tracheal replacement.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Conflicting Interests

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Summary of congenital and acquired conditions requiring long-segment tracheal reconstruction.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The classic tissue engineering paradigm incudes a scaffold, seeded cells, and humoral signaling. Combinations of these 3 design components give rise to design approaches to create the optimal tissue engineered tracheal graft.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Approaches to the creation of a tissue engineered tracheal graft are grouped into 4 categories: ectopic culture, in vitro culture, in situ regeneration, and direct implantation. Advantages and disadvantages of each are highlighted to demonstrate current challenges facing the field. Photographs reproduced with permission.,,
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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