🔍 Key Findings
- Tracheal anastomoses in immature dogs failed at significantly lower distraction forces (44.91 ± 59.03 N) than in adults (149.31 ± 45.36 N; _P_ = .007).
- Immature tracheae tolerated significantly more elongation before failure (39.75 ± 5.45%) than adult tracheae (30.57 ± 7.19%; _P_ = .0012).
- All constructs failed by suture tearing through the annular ligament, primarily near the dorsal tracheal ring.
- Overlapping of tracheal ends was seen in 50% of specimens across both age groups, suggesting limitations in tissue apposition with the chosen technique.
- Simple continuous pattern using 2-0 polypropylene was used; this pattern provides superior tensile strength compared to simple interrupted, but apposition may be suboptimal.
- Tracheal elasticity in immature dogs may allow longer resections, but the lower tensile strength necessitates reinforcement.
- Annular ligament-cartilage technique with 4-mm suture spacing showed variable results; smaller bites and nylon suture may improve outcomes.
- Ex vivo setup using frozen-thawed tracheae is a limitation, but prior studies support comparability with fresh tissue.
