Advances in tracheal reconstruction and tissue engineering

Al Haitham Al Shetawi, Joanna Weber,2, Mirza Zain Baig,2, Zaid Muslim, Faiz Bhora,

1Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Nuvance Health, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, USA.

2Rudy L. Ruggles Biomedical Institute, Nuvance Health, Danbury, CT 06810, USA.

3Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Nuvance Health, Danbury, CT 06810, USA.

Abstract

Keywords: Tracheal reconstruction, tracheoplasty, tissue engineering

INTRODUCTION

Airway stenosis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Stenosis may be the result of prolonged intubation, injury due to tracheostomy, autoimmune conditions, cancer, infections, or trauma[1][Figure 1]. Postintubation injury is the most common cause of tracheal stenosis, with an estimated incidence of 4.9 cases per million per year[2], and in some reports, an incidence as high as 19% and 65% in tracheal intubation and tracheostomy patients, respectively[3,4]. While short segments (＜ 2 cm) of postintubation stenosis can be treated with conservative techniques, including endoluminal ablation and dilation, in the United States, about 4000 cases per year of postintubation stenosis are treated by resection and reconstruction[5-7]. Comparatively rarer causes of tracheal stenosis are acute trauma or cancer; however,these causes often necessitate a surgical approach for definitive treatment. For example, primary tracheal cancers have an approximate prevalence of 2.6 cases per million people per year[8-10]. While about 23% of these patients are treated with surgery, those who undergo surgery have the best outcomes in terms of overall survival[8].

Figure 1. CT scan and bronchoscopic images of post-intubation tracheal stenosis. The development of intraluminal granulation tissue causes significant narrowing of the airway.

Tracheal resection and reconstruction via end-to-end anastomosis have been traditionally used to manage severe tracheal stenosis[11]. However, this approach is limited to resecting less than half of the length of the adult trachea or ≤ 4-6 cm to limit tension on the anastomosis[12]. Several techniques have been used to minimize tension on the suture line. These include laryngeal, suprahyoid, hilar, and pericardial release maneuvers[12,13]. Extensive mobilization by circumferential dissection risks devascularization of the anastomosis, anastomotic dehiscence, or restenosis and should be avoided[7]. For the patient with recurrent stenosis after primary reconstruction, slide tracheoplasty represents a possible treatment option. The procedure involves dividing the trachea at the midpoint of the stenosis before longitudinally dividing and spatulating the proximal and distal ends. The resulting anastomosis between the two tracheal segments is able to achieve a sufficiently larger lumen size[14]. Some studies have reported high success rates with this technique in patients with a history of prior reconstruction[15]. Primary reconstruction of the trachea with direct anastomosis remains the gold standard[12]. However, when the affected length of the trachea exceeds the anatomical limitations for primary reconstruction, the use of an additional grafting material might be necessary[16][Figure 2]. Grafts must be laterally rigid to provide structural integrity and strength to the airway while being longitudinally flexible in order to offer adequate compliance to accommodate neck movements[11].

Figure 2. Partial (A) or circumferential (B) grafts may be used to reconstruct a significant length of diseased trachea.

Figure 3. 3D printing can allow for easy customization of engineered tracheal grafts using computer-assisted modeling (A). The use of biocompatible materials and benchtop 3D printers (B) can allow for the rapid creation of patient-specific composite grafts (C).

GRAFTING METHODS IN TRACHEAL RECONSTRUCTION

Synthetic materials

Numerous synthetic materials have been tested in experimental animal research, and it has become evident that definitive synthetic prosthetic replacement for the airway is not feasible[17]. They are non-biocompatible and result in granulation tissue formation, infection, dehiscence, and erosion into surrounding structures leading to fistula formation[18,19]. A silicone rubber tube with a non-terminal Dacron ring is the primary design of solid prostheses. Nevilleet al.[20], placed these prostheses in 35 patients and observed high morbidity. Ten (29%) patients developed suture line granulomas, and one patient had dehiscence. In another study, solid prostheses were used in nine patients[21]. Eight patients died from prostheses-related complications. Only one patient was alive at a 13-month follow-up. Hence solid prostheses are not a viable long-term option due to high morbidity and mortality.

Porous prostheses are more biocompatible than solid prostheses as they allow connective tissue ingrowth,epithelial migration, and incorporation into native tracheal tissue[18]. Schultz introduced a porous titanium prosthesis that showed early success in rats by demonstrating epithelialization and integration[22]. Clinical use in a 56-year-old man who underwent a laryngectomy also demonstrated promising results[23]. At 16 months follow-up, he was able to expectorate and breathe. However, this technique is only limited to the proximal part of the trachea and cannot be utilized for extended tracheal reconstructions. Other investigators have reported significant complications and setbacks with porous prosthetics due to extensive proliferation of scar tissue leading to obstruction. In addition, large segments of the prosthesis remain uncovered with epithelium leading to bacterial colonization and infection[18].

Autologous tissue

Numerous autologous tissues have been used to repair tracheal defects. They have the distinct advantage of not inciting an immunogenic response and hence have no risk for acute or chronic rejection[24]. Previous experiences with autologous tubular conduits constructed from the esophagus, skin, small bowel, or aorta have generally been limited due to obstruction as they were unable to tolerate the normal pressure variations of the respiratory system[25]. Renet al.[26], reported a case where they used an extended bronchial flap to repair a long segment tracheal defect in a 48-year-old man with adenoid cystic carcinoma. At 17 months follow-up, the authors only reported mild stenosis and no tumor relapse. However, there has been debate whether it is beneficial to sacrifice the right upper lobe to counterbalance the radical resection of malignant tumors, as seen in this case[27].

The largest clinical experience utilizing an autologous tissue composite for tracheal repair was reported by Fabreet al.[24]. The authors used a free forearm fasciocutaneous flap reinforced by rib cartilage interposed transversally in the subcutaneous tissue to construct a tube. The flap was anastomosed to the internal mammary vessels. Sixteen patients were treated with this flap. All patients were successfully extubated on postoperative day 1. The 5-year survival rate was 64.8%. No airway collapse was detected upon repeated endoscopies, dynamic computed tomography scans, or spirometry. Two patients who had reported dysphagia preoperatively were able to resume oral feeding. The main limitations for this newly constructed trachea were the lack of mucociliary clearing and the risk of cartilage fracture in elderly patients[19]. Several case reports using variations on this reinforced free-flap method with a variety of supporting structures have also been successful in reconstructing large (＞ 5 cm) and irregularly shaped tracheal defects[28-31]. Patients reportedly were doing well at the final follow-up, maintaining a functional airway.

Allografts

Decellularized allografts are biocompatible. They are non-immunogenic and therefore do not require immunosuppression or growth factor supplementation. This makes them good for patients with the oncologic disease. They do, however, lack good vascularization, which is often responsible for their degeneration. These grafts also lack lateral rigidity and therefore require stent placements[19]. Stenting may predispose these patients to inflammation, granulation, infection, and erosion into surrounding structures[32].

Azorinet al.[33], reported the first aortic allograft for tracheal replacement in 2006. They used a fresh autologous abdominal aorta allograft to replace the trachea in a 68-year-old patient with squamous cell carcinoma. A silicone Dumon stent was introduced as well. The patient died six months after surgery from pneumonia and septic shock. Another study reported using cryopreserved thoracic aorta allografts from cadaveric donors in six patients with malignant airway disease[34]. In order to promote revascularization, the allograft was wrapped in a pectoralis major muscle flap and pedicled to its thoraco-acromial blood supply.At the time of publication, four patients were alive and disease-free, with a mean follow-up of 34 months(range 26-42 months). Complications observed included tracheoesophageal fistula, anterior spinal cord ischemia, stent migration, and fatal hemoptysis. The autopsy revealed the absence of cartilage regeneration and respiratory epithelium and the presence of inflammatory infiltrates in the allografts. The authors also observed significant shortening of the grafts.

Similar reports for tracheal allografts have also been reported in the literature. Jacobset al.[35], published the first study where they treated 24 children with congenital, post-traumatic, and post-intubation stenosis with tracheal allografts acquired from 16-64-year-old cadaveric donors. All grafts were chemically treated to kill all cells and remove all major histocompatibility markers. The lateral walls of the narrowed portion of the native tracheal segment were removed and the graft inserted. A silicone stent was used to provide graft support for up to 10-12 weeks. The follow-up period ranged from 5 months to 10 years. Twenty patients(83%) were alive at the time of publication of this report. Epithelialization in the tracheal lumen was observed in sixteen patients. Native ciliary respiratory epithelium colonization occurred at the graft ends but not in the midportion of the graft. None of the patients underwent rejection or required immunosuppression.

In another study, the same technique was utilized in six patients presenting with congenital, post-traumatic,and post-intubation stenosis[36]. One patient died on postoperative day 12 due to a fistula formation to the innominate artery. Of the remaining five survivors, those who had their stents removed required re-stenting due to tracheomalacia. One patient was able to have their stent removed permanently and underwent frequent bronchoscopy for granulation tissue removal. One patient underwent stenting with a tracheostomy tube and was decannulated during follow-up. The final patient still had a tracheostomy and stent placed at their most recent follow-up. Dramatic improvements in pulmonary function tests were reported.

Propstet al.[37], utilized this technique in ten children and reported a high rate of re-interventions with an average of 7.38 procedures per patient. Re-interventions included tracheal dilation, granulation removal,laser ablation, mitomycin application, stent placement, supraglottoplasty, arytenoidectomy, tonsillectomy,adenoidectomy, laryngotracheoplasty, and slide tracheoplasty.

Tracheal allografts are complicated by a high morbidity rate. Therefore, their role is currently unclear. It is reasonable to defer to non-surgical treatments before resorting to allografts. This technique is only limited to benign conditions as the membranous posterior wall of the native trachea is left intact. The need for longterm stenting, the development of malacia, and limited epithelialization are other factors that limit the use of tracheal allografts.

Tracheal transplantation

Tracheal transplantation is currently limited by the need for immunosuppression and the difficulty in establishing adequate vascularization[19]. Initial attempts at transplantation began with a one-stage approach,combining the donor trachea with a blood supply by omentopexy to provide early revascularization[38,39].Although no long-term clinical outcomes were reported in a 1979 study, in 1993, Levashovet al.[38]reported early rejection at 10 days post-transplantation despite immunosuppressive therapy and progressive stenosis treated 4 months later with a permanent silicone stent. Delaereet al.[17], developed a two-stage technique in which they placed the donor trachea in the recipient’s forearm[40]. This allowed revascularization to occur,maintaining the viability of the graft. Buccal mucosa of the recipient was used to replace the posterior tracheal wall. Immunosuppression was maintained using tacrolimus, azathioprine, and corticosteroids. The trachea was then transplanted into its orthotopic position. The first patient to undergo this procedure was a 55-year-old woman with a chronic history of post-traumatic tracheal obstruction treated with stents and complicated by chronic infections, granulation, and halitosis. Post-procedure she had no more episodes of pneumonia or bronchitis, and her pulmonary function tests improved remarkably. A similar two-stage technique using omentum for revascularization has also been attempted by Xuet al.[41]in a 3-patient case series. A 6 cm segment of donor trachea was implanted in the greater omentum of each recipient in stage 1.In stage 2, 3-5 weeks later, the tracheal allograft and omental pedicle were transplanted to the orthotopic position, replacing a comparable length of excised diseased trachea. All patients received long-term immunosuppressive therapy, including tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and methylprednisolone. No major complications or symptoms of bronchiolitis obliterans were observed, and postoperative bronchoscopy showed a well-healed tracheal anastomosis. Early experience with these two-stage techniques has therefore been promising. They are, however, limited by the need for long-term immunosuppression and the lack of circumferential vascularization.

TISSUE ENGINEERED GRAFTS

Although attempts to reconstruct the trachea with allografts and autografts are still being explored, the lack of overwhelming success of these methods and the difficulties encountered with tracheal transplantation,both technically and logistically, has caused tissue engineering to be explored as the next possible solution.The ideal engineered trachea graft design must closely mimic the healthy native trachea. In terms of mechanical function, the graft should be longitudinally flexible but still provide lateral rigidity for airway patency. Furthermore, the graft must be able to retain these mechanical properties to remain functional.Thus the grafts must either be non-degradable or predictably degradable and replaced with the patient’s own tissue on a matching timeline. In addition to mechanical requirements is the functional role of the trachea. The healthy native trachea is lined with specialized airway epithelium composed of secretory and ciliated cells. This specialized tissue protects the lower airways from inhaled contaminants by trapping the debris in mucous and propelling it up and out. An engineered tracheal graft would ideally also be able to replicate this feature. As with many other engineered tissues, avoiding immunogenicity is also a goal of engineered tracheal grafts. This may be accomplished either with an acellular graft or with patient-derived cells.

Unfortunately, the initial clinical application of tissue engineered tracheas demonstrated poor results causing tracheal tissue engineering to be met with skepticism. These experiments, conducted by Paolo Maccharini, were an overzealous clinical application of untested decellularized tracheas. Further investigations into these experiments resulted in convictions of medical malpractice and academic misconduct due to the misrepresentation of successful results, fake data, and obfuscation of negative outcomes[42,43]. This has caused many other researchers in the field to proceed with an abundance of caution,slowing the progress of engineered tracheas to clinical practice, although probably to the benefit of the field.With the wide variety of approaches to engineered tracheal grafts as well as the innate complexities associated with tracheal operations, thorough pre-clinical assessments must be done to ensure patient safety.

Cells, scaffolds, and growth-stimulating signals are considered to be the three key components required for successfully creating an engineered tissue[44,45]. Cell sourcing is often a limiting factor in tissue engineering due to the number of cells needed for the grafts and the preparation time required to collect, process, and apply the cells to the graft. For patient-derived cells in engineered tracheal grafts, cells could be sourced from donor cartilage sites or mesenchymal stem cells to provide cells for the mesenchyme, while airway epithelial cells would be harvested from the bronchi[46-48]. If these cells need to be expanded prior to use, this can add weeks of lead time to the production of the graft and limiting their use to non-emergent cases. One work-around for the cell-associated problems is to rely on post-implantation colonization of the graft by the recipient’s own cells, allowing a graft to use patient-derived cells without the need for a pre-implantation cell culture period.

Scaffolds provide an attachment point for the cells, holding them in place in the graft. These scaffolds can consist of isolated matrix components such as collagen or a complex, mature, cell-elaborated matrix obtained by decellularization[49-54]. Efficient decellularization removes cells, cell components, and nuclear and membrane fragments from a source tissue leaving only the extracellular matrix, greatly reducing potential immunogenic reactions or apoptotic responses[55-57]. Without treatment with artificial cross-linking agents, native binding sites remain intact, theoretically increasing the potential for interaction with the recipient’s cells and providing a cell niche that directs the differentiation of the cells towards the desired cell type[50]. Synthetic scaffolds can also be used. These scaffolds can be tailored during manufacturing to produce the desired thickness and strength, and surface treatments can enhance cell attachment; however,immunogenic reactions either to the materials themselves or their degradative products remain a concern[58-60]. Some engineered tracheal grafts entirely skip the use of a scaffold instead of relying on their chosen cells to build a new matrix from scratch. This is most often seen with cartilage-only grafts but involves extensive additional time for production[61,62].

Growth-stimulating signals such as growth factors are commonly used to accelerate thein vitrogrowth of engineered tracheal grafts and strengthen the tissue[59,62,63]. The use of decellularized scaffolds can also provide growth-stimulating signals both through cell niches as well as with matrix-bound growth factors that are retained through the decellularization process. Some of the same growth factors usedin vitrocan be supplementedin vivoto accelerate the post-implantation incorporation of the grafts with the surrounding tissue. Angiogenic growth factors may also be supplemented to promote vascularization of the graft.Vascularization of the implanted graft is necessary to provide the embedded cells with oxygen, nutrients,and waste removal.

Vascularization can also be accomplished by pre-implantation of the graft in a highly vascular area of the body to produce a pedicled graft that is later transposed to its orthotopic location[64,65]. This prevascularization period, however, adds additional time to the development of the tracheal graft, again precluding it from emergency use. In addition, the use of exogenous growth factors post-implantation would also be contraindicated in patients needing tracheal reconstruction due to malignancy.

To prevent the inward collapse of the tracheal grafts, composite grafts rely on the addition of a secondary rigid support structure, usually in a synthetic material, that serves to mimic the function of the native tracheal cartilage rings, providing needed lateral rigidity. These rigid support structures can either be derived from off-the-shelf stents, cast in custom-fabricated molds, or be rapidly prototyped and customized to patient-specific dimensions with the use of biocompatible 3D-printed plastic polymers[51-53,65][Figure 3].

Figure 4. Gross (A) and histologic (B, stained with Masson’s Trichrome) views of engineered graft-induced tracheal granulation tissue in the preclinical pig model.

The largest series of pre-clinical trials in a large animal model tested composite engineered constructs composed of decellularized surgical grafting patches supported by a 3D-printed biocompatible structure[52-54]. These acellular composite constructs are particularly attractive since they circumvent immunological issues and have the added benefit of being implantable without an immediate blood supply that would be required to support embedded cells. In these grafts, the decellularized surgical patch materials served as the cell scaffold, theoretically providing the necessary physiochemical cues and cell niches needed to attract and sustain a healthy cell population[57]. An additional advantage to using decellularized materials is the strength that is innate to the material due to the complex composition and naturally cross-linked collagen network of a cell-remodeled mature matrix, providing an air-tight barrier that can immediately withstand intrathoracic pressure variances during breathing. In these composite grafts, the embedded rigid support structure prevented graft malacia and avoided the need for intraluminal stenting, which can further damage the native trachea and prevent epithelial migration onto the graft surface. Animals in these studies that underwent anterior reconstruction had the longest survival times, demonstrating that these grafts were able to meet the functional and mechanical requirements of the trachea. Without the use of exogenous growth factors, the need for immunosuppression, or additional stenting procedures, acellular composite grafts such as these hold the most promise for wide applicability to tracheal reconstructive needs be it due to trauma, congenital malformation, or malignancy while relieving any additional burden of using self- or donor-derived tissues or cells.

Although preclinical assessments of many different designs of engineered tracheal grafts have demonstrated the feasibility of creating mechanically suitable grafts, implantation into recipient animals has shown that problems with tissue integration and healing still exist[51-54,61,63,66-68]. Most notably, significant obstructing stenosis, due to the development of either peri-anastomotic granulation tissue or mid-graft fibrosis, remains a persistent problem and a final common pathway for the failure of many types of tracheal grafts [Figure 4].Thus, to overcome these failures, our understanding of tracheal wound healing will need to be significantly more advanced, and specific research into mechanisms of graft-induced inflammation and wound healing will be necessary.

CONCLUSION

The search for an appropriate grafting material and method for extensive tracheal reconstruction remains a challenge. Although a rather extensive and diverse set of approaches have been made to this effect,including transplantation, synthetic and natural grafts, and engineered grafts, none have been proven to address all concerns and provide the ideal tracheal replacement adequately. However, tracheal reconstruction will benefit from the accumulation of knowledge from the continued advancements in tracheal transplantation, wound healing, and tissue engineering.

DECLARATIONS

Authors’ contributions

Conception and design: Al Shetawi AH, Weber J, Bhora F

Drafting of the article: Al Shetawi AH, Weber J, Baig MZ, Muslim Z

Critical revision of the article for important intellectual content: Al Shetawi AH, Weber J, Bhora F

Final approval of the article: Al Shetawi AH, Weber J, Baig MZ, Muslim Z, Bhora F

Availability of data and materials

Not applicable.

Financial support and sponsorship

None.

Conflicts of interest

All authors declared that there are no conflicts of interest.

Ethical approval and consent to participate

Not applicable.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Copyright

? The Author(s) 2021.