Mechanical Properties of Mesh-Type Artificial Tracheas

Many studies have been made to develop artificial tracheas with good biocompatibility and mechanical performance. We have designed a new type of mesh-type artificial tracheas. The basic frame of the specimens was composed of a mesh cylinder and stent attached to the outside of the cylinder. We have demonstrated from the mechanical tests that artificial tracheas with ring-type stents are stiffer than those with spiral-type stents. Artificial tracheas with arc-shaped shaped stents are half as stiff as artificial tracheas with whole ring stents. We have compared the mechanical properties of mesh-type artificial tracheas with nylon ring stents and those of canine tracheas, and have found the proper number of rings per unit length for the mesh-type artificial tracheas.