Identifying Molecular Pathophysiology and Potential Therapeutic Options in Iatrogenic Tracheal Stenosis.

Introduction: While most patients with iatrogenic tracheal stenosis (ITS) respond to endoscopic ablative procedures, approximately 15% experience a recalcitrant, recurring disease course that is resistant to conventional management. We aimed to explore genetic profiles of patients with recalcitrant ITS to understand underlying pathophysiology and identify novel therapeutic options.

Methods: We collected 11 samples of granulation tissue from patients with ITS and performed RNA sequencing.

Gene expression profiles in COVID-19-associated tracheal stenosis indicate persistent anti-viral response and dysregulated retinol metabolism.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated tracheal stenosis (COATS) may occur as a result of prolonged intubation during COVID-19 infection. We aimed to investigate patterns of gene expression in the tracheal granulation tissue of patients with COATS, leverage gene expression data to identify dysregulated cellular pathways and processes, and discuss potential therapeutic options based on the identified gene expression profiles.

Methods: Adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) presenting to clinics for management of severe, recalcitrant COATS were included in this study.

Circumferential Three-Dimensional-Printed Tracheal Grafts: Research Model Feasibility and Early Results.

Background: Methods for tracheal graft research have presented persistent challenges to investigators, and three-dimensional (3D)-printed biosynthetic grafts offer one potential development platform. We aimed to develop an efficient research platform for customizable circumferential 3D-printed tracheal grafts and evaluate feasibility and early structural integrity with a large-animal model.

Methods: Virtual 3D models of porcine subject tracheas were generated using preoperative computed tomography scans.

Reconstruction of Anterior Tracheal Defects Using a Bioengineered Graft in a Porcine Model.

Background: Reconstruction of long-segment tracheal defects can be challenging and a suitable tracheal substitute remains lacking. We sought to create a bioengineered tracheal graft to repair such lesions using acellullar bovine dermis extracellular matrix (ECM) and male human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and implant it in a porcine model.

Methods: hMSCs were seeded on the ECM and incubated for 1 week with chondrogenic factors.

Treatment of Benign Tracheal Stenosis Using Endoluminal Spray Cryotherapy.

Importance: Tracheal stenosis is a debilitating disorder with heterogeneity in terms of disease characteristics and management. Repeated recurrences substantially alter patients' quality of life. There is limited evidence for the use of spray cryotherapy (SCT) in the management of benign airway disease.

Effectiveness of rituximab for the otolaryngologic manifestations of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's).

Objective: Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) involvement is the most prevalent manifestation of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) (GPA) and correlates with permanent damage and decreased quality of life. Although prior studies have evaluated the efficacy of rituximab (RTX) for granulomatous features of GPA, none have evaluated its efficacy solely for ENT manifestations. We compared the effectiveness of RTX to other therapies for the ENT manifestations of GPA in a large, well-characterized cohort.

Timely airway stenting improves survival in patients with malignant central airway obstruction.

Background: The survival of patients with malignant central airway obstruction is very limited. Although airway stenting results in significant palliation of symptoms, data regarding improved survival after stenting for advanced thoracic cancer with central airway obstruction are lacking.

Methods: Fifty patients received a total of 72 airway stents for malignant central airway obstruction over a two-year period at a single institution.

Endoscopic tracheoplasty: segmental tracheal ring resection in a porcine model.

Endoscopic tracheoplasty is used for the relief of airway obstruction because of several benign conditions such as postintubation stenosis, inflammatory disorders such as Wegener granulomatosis, and benign neoplastic processes. Several endoscopic treatment modalities exist for these conditions, all with good initial results. However, recurrence is common and often requires frequent reintervention.