Pre-epithelialized cryopreserved tracheal allograft for neo-trachea flap engineering

Abstract

Graphical AbstractScheme of the experimental design. 1, CTA derived from donor Brown Norway rats was de-epithelialized to create DeCTA. 2, RECs were isolated from syngeneic recipient Lewis rats. 3, DeCTA was pre-epithelialized to create ReCTA. 4, In the heterotopic implantation model, ReCTA was subcutaneously implanted into the groin area, and an adipose tissue flap pedicled by superficial epigastric blood vessels was used for neovascularization. 5, In the orthotopic implantation model, DeCTA was implanted into the neck to reconstruct a 4-ring tracheal defect.