A new oesophageal tube: assessment of collagen/vicryl composite membrane.

Collagen/vicryl composite membrane has been previously shown to be of use in an experimental model as a patch graft in the bladder and oesophagus. Attempts to use it as a circumferential tube graft have been unsuccessful due to the development of strictures at the site of anastomosis. We inserted a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) stented collagen/vicryl bioprosthetic tube into rat omentum, which served as a vascular pedicle. Subsequent histology of the graft showed serial replacement of the bioprosthesis with host collagen and the development of a blood supply. In a second stage procedure, the bioprosthesis was anastomosed to the distal ileum and brought out on the skin to form a fistula. Squamous epithelium was subsequently identified growing the full length of the graft. Therefore, we have developed a vascularised bioprosthetic tube graft which will support the growth of unspecialised epithelium. This model could be of use in bridging congenital atresias or pathological strictures.