Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2016 Aug;59(8):599-603. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2016.59.8.599.

An Animal Model of Tracheal Stenosis Induced by an Endotracheal Segmented Tube

• Lim SJ
• Kim SW
• Lee KD
• Kim SB
• Jeon SW
• Ok CH
• Jung MJ
• Hwang CW
• Lee HS

• KMID: 2350483
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2016.59.8.599

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Various methods to induce tracheal stenosis in an animal model have been introduced. However, most methods use non-physiologic mechanical or chemical injury to tracheal mucosa or cartilage. In this study, we sought to develop an animal model of tracheal stenosis using a segmented endotracheal tube. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Nine New Zealand White Rabbits were included in this feasibility study. A segmented 1.5 cm LEVIN-Tube (16 French) was inserted into tracheal lumen via tracheotomy site and fixed with a nylon tape circumferentially tied around the trachea. The tube was removed transorally one week later and the tracheal lumen was observed with bronchoscopy every week. Rabbits were sacrificed two weeks after the tube removal and the trachea was evaluated with histologic image. Three rabbits underwent tracheotomy and closure only to evaluate possible impact of tracheotomy procedure to tracheal stenosis (sham surgery).
RESULTS
None of the 6 rabbits showed significant complications or death during the study. No significant change of tracheal lumen was identified in 3 sham models. The mean grade of stenosis was 57.2±9.9% (range, 43-70%). Histologic image showed thickening and fibrosis of lamina propria with relatively intact tracheal cartilage framework.
CONCLUSION
We developed an animal model of tracheal stenosis using a segmented endotracheal tube fixed with a nylon tape. Since this model has similar pathophysiology to prolonged endotracheal intubation, it may be used in various studies related to tracheal stenosis.

Keyword

Animal model; Endotracheal intubation; Trachea; Tracheal stenosis

MeSH Terms

Animals*
Bronchoscopy
Cartilage
Constriction, Pathologic
Feasibility Studies
Fibrosis
Intubation, Intratracheal
Methods
Models, Animal*
Mucous Membrane
Nylons
Rabbits
Trachea
Tracheal Stenosis*
Tracheotomy
Nylons