Published online Aug 14, 2019. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i30.4213
Peer-review started: April 8, 2019
First decision: May 30, 2019
Revised: July 4, 2019
Accepted: July 5, 2019
Article in press: July 5, 2019
Published online: August 14, 2019
Processing time: 129 Days and 22.9 Hours
Clinically, tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is lack of effective surgical strategies. One reason is due to the lack of appropriate animal models of acquired TEF, which is usually complex and difficult. Recently, the magnetic compression technique has been applied for digestive tract anastomosis or vascular anastomosis in animals. In this study, an animal model of TEF in dogs was developed by using the magnetic compression technique, hoping to provide a new method for mimicking TEF.
To establish a TEF model in dogs by using the magnetic compression technique.
Six male beagles were used as models with two Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets for TEF. The parent magnet and the daughter magnet were placed in the cervical esophagus and trachea, respectively. The anterior wall of the esophagus and the posterior wall of the trachea were compressed when the two magnets coupled. After 4-6 d, the necrotic tissue between the two magnets fell off and the parent and daughter magnets disengaged from the target location, leaving a fistula. Gastroscopy/bronchoscopy, upper gastrointestinal contrast study, and histological analysis were performed.
The establishment of the TEF model in all six beagles was successful. The average time of magnet placement was 4.33 ± 1.11 min (range, 3-7 min). Mean time for the magnets to disengage from the target location was 4.67 ± 0.75 d (range, 4-6 d). TEFs were observed by gastroscopy/bronchoscopy and esophageal angiography. The gross anatomical structure of the esophagus and the trachea was in good condition. There was no esophageal mucosa or pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium at the site of the fistula according to histological analysis.
It is simple, feasible, and minimally invasive to use the magnetic compression technique for the establishment of the TEF model in dogs.
Core tip: The magnetic compression technique (MCT) is usually used clinically for anastomosis. We propose a novel application for the MCT in establishing a canine model of tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). This is the first study to apply the MCT in the development of a disease model. Findings showed that it is simple, feasible, and minimally invasive to use magnetic compression technique for the establishment of the TEF model in dogs. It can be used to study the pathophysiological changes of TEF and to provide a good and stable model for exploring the advantages and disadvantages of various surgical methods.