Author:

Keywords:

Science & Technology, Life Sciences & Biomedicine, Respiratory System, Trachea, transplant, revascularization, regeneration, IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE THERAPY, ALLOTRANSPLANTATION, TRANSPLANTATION, WITHDRAWAL, ALLOGRAFT, 1103 Clinical Sciences, 3201 Cardiovascular medicine and haematology, 3202 Clinical sciences

Abstract:

Non-malignant and malignant obstruction of the tracheal airway causes significant morbidity and mortality. With increased use of artificial airways, benign and iatrogenic complications are increasing. A tracheal stenosis that is less than 5 cm in length can be resected with end-to-end anastomosis. Longer tracheal lesions can be treated in a palliative way by placement of a stent to secure airway lumen patency. The management of tracheal defects is an evolving field. Tracheal transplantation and tracheal regeneration may bring major treatment advances to cases with long-segment tracheal involvement. This review examines the current possibilities and future prospects in the area of tracheal transplantation and regeneration.