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