Lessons Learned From Various 3D-Printed Tracheal Grafts in an Extensive Porcine Model for De Novo Tracheal Regeneration

This article reviews current advances and ongoing challenges in tracheal surgery, focusing on long-segment tracheal resection and reconstruction. The authors highlight that while surgical resection with primary anastomosis remains the gold standard for localized disease, outcomes are limited in cases of extended tracheal involvement. They discuss innovations in airway reconstruction, including tissue engineering, bioengineered scaffolds, and tracheal transplantation, noting that none have yet reached reliable, routine clinical application. The paper emphasizes the importance of meticulous surgical technique, perioperative airway management, and multidisciplinary collaboration to optimize outcomes.  For CTSNet’s global cardiothoracic surgery audience, this article is particularly important as it addresses one of the most technically demanding areas of thoracic surgery, where complications can be catastrophic. By outlining both the current surgical standards and emerging technologies, it provides valuable insights for surgeons managing complex airway pathology and highlights future directions that may eventually expand reconstructive options for patients with otherwise inoperable tracheal disease.