A Tissue Engineered Construct for Laryngeal Regeneration: A Proof-of-Concept Device Design Study

Abstract

Objectives/hypothesis: Develop a patient-specific tissue engineered construct for laryngeal reconstruction following a partial laryngectomy.

Study design: Bench and animal research.

Methods: A construct made from a porous polyethylene scaffold shaped in a canine-specific configuration and seeded with autologous canine adipose-derived stem cells in fibrin glue was implanted in a canine following a partial laryngectomy. After 1 year, the construct was first evaluated in vivo with high-speed imaging and acoustic-aerodynamic measures. It was then explanted and evaluated histologically.

Results: The canine study at 1 year revealed the construct provided voicing (barking) with acoustic and aerodynamic measures within normal ranges. The canine was able to eat and breathe normally without long-term support. The construct was integrated with epithelialization of all areas except the medial portion of the vocal fold structure. No anti-infective agents were needed after the standard perioperative medications were completed.

Conclusion: This study provided a successful first step toward developing a patient-specific composite construct for patients undergoing partial laryngectomies.

Level of evidence: NA Laryngoscope, 132:S1-S11, 2022.

Keywords: Tissue engineering; airway reconstruction; epithelialization; partial laryngectomy.