Design of a new technique using a free tracheal autologous graft for reconstruction of the cricoid cartilage and trachea.

Purpose: We devised a new operative procedure to recreate a supporting framework using a free tracheal autologous graft for cricoidal and tracheal defects.

Methods: We used this new transplantation method to repair the airway defect in five patients who underwent total thyroidectomy with resection of the airway for advanced thyroid cancer. A free graft was taken from the anterior aspect of the trachea and placed over the defect.