Safety of Prostatic Artery Embolization via Transradial Access versus Transfemoral Access.

PURPOSE: To compare prostatic artery embolization (PAE) via transradial access (TRA-PAE) versus transfemoral access (TFA-PAE) to assist access selection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Procedural outcomes and adverse events were evaluated in 998 patients who underwent PAE at a single center from April 2014 to August 2022; 821 (82%) underwent TRA-PAE (Group R) and 177 (18%) underwent TFA-PAE (Group F). Mean age and prostate size of Groups R and F were 69.2 years (SD ± 8.4) and 117.4 g (SD ± 63.1) and 75.2 years (SD ± 12.1) and 127.2 g (SD ± 83.6), respectively (P < .01 and P = .16; postpropensity matching: P = .38 and P = .35, respectively). Indications for PAE included lower urinary tract symptoms, acute or chronic urinary retention, and hematuria. Procedural and patient-specific metrics were reviewed. Technical success was defined as bilateral PAE. Adverse events were recorded according to the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) adverse events classification. Statistical significance was defined as P < .05. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 798 (97.2%) patients in Group R and 165 (93.2%) patients in Group F. Mean procedural time, single- and continuous-rotation fluoroscopy time, dose area product, and air kerma were significantly lower in Group R than in Group F (P < .001). Moreover, 6 (0.7%) patients in Group R and 9 (5.5%) patients in Group F had access site ecchymoses, whereas 5 (0.6%) patients in Group R and 6 (3.6%) in Group F had access site hematomas. Two patients experienced transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) after TRA-PAE and recovered without intervention. Two occult radial artery occlusions were noted, but no patient experienced hand ischemia. CONCLUSIONS: In a large single interventional radiologist cohort, TRA-PAE demonstrated similar technical success to that of TFA-PAE with lower access site hemorrhagic complications and radiation requirements; however, TIA and occult radial artery occlusions remain a concern.

Effect of Prostate Artery Embolization on Erectile Function - A Single Center Experience of 167 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is an emerging therapy for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). AIM: This retrospective study was conducted to assess the effect of prostate artery embolization (PAE) on erectile function in a cohort of patients with LUTS attributable to BPH at 3-months after the procedure. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on 167 patients who underwent PAE. Data collected included Sexual Health Inventory in Men (SHIM) scores at 3, 6, and 12 months post-PAE, in conjunction with the International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS), Quality of Life (QoL) scores, and prostate volumes. Primary outcome was erectile function as assessed by SHIM scores at 3 months after PAE. An analysis was performed to identify patients with a ±5-point SHIM change to group them according to this minimum clinically significant difference in erectile function. Adverse events were recorded using the Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification. OUTCOMES: At 3 months following PAE, median IPSS decreased by 16.0 [IQR, 9.0-22.0] points, median QOL decreased by 4.0 [IQR, 2.0-5.0] points, and median prostate volume decreased by 33 g [IQR, 14-55]. RESULTS: Median SHIM score was 17.0 [IQR, 12.0-22.0] at baseline, 18.0 [IQR, 14.0-23.0] at 3 months [P = .031], 19.0 [IQR, 14.5-21.5] at 6 months [P = .106] and 20 [IQR, 16.0-24.0] at 12 months [P = .010] following PAE. In patients with no erectile dysfunction (ED) at baseline, 21% (n = 9) reported some degree of decline in erectile function post-PAE. However, 38% (n = 40) of patients who presented with mild-to-moderate ED reported improvement in their erectile function 3 months following PAE. Overall, the changes in baseline SHIM score were relatively small; 82% (n = 137) of patients did not have more than 5 points of change in their SHIM scores at 3 months following PAE. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Our findings suggest PAE has no adverse impact on erectile function for most patients. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: The study was performed at a single center with 1 operator's experience, and is retrospective with no control group. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that prostate artery embolization has no adverse effect on erectile function in the majority of patients with LUTS attributable to BPH at 3 months after the procedure. Bhatia S, Acharya V, Jalaeian H, et al., Effect of Prostate Artery Embolization on Erectile Function - A Single Center Experience of 167 Patients. J Sex Med 2022;19:594-602.

Comparison of tandem ureteral stents, cryoplasty, and cutting balloon ureteroplasty in treatment of refractory transplant ureteral strictures.

The objective of study was to compare clinical outcome of cryoplasty, tandem stents, and cutting balloon ureteroplasty as "bailout procedures" to prevent surgical intervention or stent dependency in renal transplant patients with refractory ureteral stricture. All patients who underwent a bailout procedure from June 11, 2003, to August 8, 2015, at a single institution were reviewed retrospectively. Refractory ureteral stricture was defined as ureteral stenosis not responding to at least two prior percutaneous plain balloon ureteroplasties. Primary patency was defined as stable allograft function following the procedure with unobstructed urine outflow, not requiring indwelling ureteral stent, repeat ureteroplasty, or surgical revision. Sixty-one procedures were performed on 51 patients. Patients were followed up for a median of 286 days. Overall primary patency rate was 26.1%. Primary patency rate by method was 38.1%, 23.1%, and 14.3% after cryoplasty, tandem stent placement, and cutting balloon dilatation, respectively (P = .260). Primary patency rate was higher in early (<3 months post-transplant) ureteral strictures (35.7% vs 13.3%; P = .047). More complications identified in patients who had tandem ureteral stents (P = .00754). As some renal transplant patients may not be good operative candidates for ureteral revision, it would be reasonable to attempt one of these "bailout" interventions as long as the clinical team and patient are aware of overall low potential for achieving primary patency.

Transrenal Ureteral Occlusion for Palliation of Refractory Urine Leaks Using Vascular Plugs and Liquid Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol.

PURPOSE: To describe outcomes of transrenal embolization with vascular plugs and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) in a case series of patients with refractory urinary leak or fistula. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen ureteral occlusions performed over 53 months in 9 consecutive patients (56% female; mean age 61 y; range, 45-80 y) were reviewed retrospectively. The main indication was palliation for refractory fistula or leak in the setting of malignancy not responding to urine diversion by percutaneous nephrostomy tube or nephroureteral stent. Transrenal ureteral occlusion was performed using EVOH injected between vascular plugs placed distal and proximal to the leak or fistula. RESULTS: Technical success was 100%. Considerable reduction of urine leak or symptoms (clinical success) was achieved in 64% of ureters after mean follow-up of 105 days (range, 0-632 d). Complete ureteral occlusion on follow-up anterograde nephrostogram (imaging success) was achieved in 60% of ureters after mean follow-up of 139 days (range, 0-643 d). One patient with distal ureterovesical junction-perineal fistula had continued leak despite complete proximal occlusion of ureter owing to retrograde urine reflux from the bladder and was treated with endoscopic injection of intramural calcium hydroxyapatite to the ureteral segment distal to the fistula. Three ureters (33%) in 2 patients with vesicovaginal fistula had recanalization, requiring additional proximal embolization, yielding secondary success rates of 91% (clinical) and 90% (imaging) per ureter. One minor urinary tract infection and no major complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Transrenal anterograde ureteral occlusion using EVOH between vascular plugs could be considered a relatively safe and potentially valuable treatment option for refractory ureteral fistulae.

A comparative analysis of infection and complication rates between single- and double-lumen ports.

OBJECTIVE: Port-a-caths are implanted intravascular chest ports that enable venous access. With more port placements performed by interventional radiologists, it is important to discern differences in infection and complication rates between double- and single-lumen ports. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 1,385 port placements over 2 years at the University of Miami. Patients were grouped by single- or double-lumen ports. Data on duration of catheter stay, bloodstream infections, malfunctions, and other complications (fibrin sheath, thrombosis, catheter malposition) were collected. Multivariate Cox regression was performed to identify variables predicting port infection. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 58.8 years; the mean BMI was 26.9 kg/m2; and 61.5% of these patients were female. Our search revealed 791 double-lumen ports (57.1%) and 594 single-lumen ports (42.9%). The median follow-up was 668 days (range, 2-1,297). Double-lumen ports were associated with significantly higher rates of bacteremia (2.78% vs 0.84%; P = .02), port malfunction (8.3% vs 2.0%; P < .001), fibrin sheath formation (2.2% vs 0.5%; P < .02), catheter tip malposition (1.0% vs 0; P = .01), and catheter-associated thrombosis (1.4% vs 0; P = .003). Multivariate Cox regression analysis, after adjusting for other variables, showed that double-lumen chest ports had 2.98 times (95% confidence interval, 1.12-7.94) the hazard rate of single-lumen ports for developing bloodstream infection (P = .029). CONCLUSIONS: Double-lumen chest ports are associated with increased risk for bloodstream infection, malfunction, fibrin sheath formation, catheter tip malposition, and catheter-associated thrombosis. Interventional radiologists may consider placing single-lumen ports if clinically feasible; however, future studies are needed to determine clinical significance. The study limitations included the retrospective study design and the potential loss of patient follow-up.

Does needle gauge affect complication rates of computed tomography-guided lung biopsy?

Background: It has been thought a larger bore biopsy needle may yield a better sample for molecular testing, but this could potentially expose the patient to higher pneumothorax rates. This study aims to determine if a larger bore biopsy system results in more complications. Methods: A total of 193 patients who underwent computed tomography (CT)-guided lung biopsy in a single tertiary center from 2013-2021 were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups, patients who underwent lung biopsy using the 17/18-gauge (18G) biopsy system and the 19/20-gauge (20G) biopsy system. Data recorded included biopsy needle gauge, nodule location and size, plug use, positioning, the length of the intraparenchymal tract, number of biopsy passes, pneumothorax, chest tube insertion, and admission. Results: The mean age was 64.1±12.4 years. The median diameter of the lung nodules was 1.95 cm, and the median depth of the intraparenchymal needle tract was 2.7 cm. Pneumothorax was identified during the procedure by CT fluoroscopy or on post-procedural chest X-ray (CXR). The overall rate of pneumothorax among all patients was 35.2%, and 10.9% of the study population (i.e., 30.1% of patients with pneumothorax) required chest tube insertion. The rate of pneumothorax or chest tube insertion was not significantly different between patients who underwent lung biopsy using 17/18G or 19/20G biopsy system. Patients who developed pneumothorax were older, with smaller-sized pulmonary nodules and longer length of the intraparenchymal tract. The pathologic sensitivity of the 18G gun was higher than that of the 20G gun (93% sensitivity, 100% specificity vs. 79.5% sensitivity, 100% specificity). In the multivariate logistic regression fitted model, the length of the intraparenchymal tract was the only factor predictive of post-procedural pneumothorax and chest tube insertion. An intraparenchymal needle tract length of greater than 2 cm was identified to have the best threshold to predict pneumothorax [sensitivity: 73.5%; false positive rate: 57.6%; area under the curve: 66.27%]. Conclusions: Findings suggest similar rates of pneumothorax and chest tube insertion using small 19/20G vs. 17/18G biopsy systems. The 18G system was more sensitive compared to the 20G system in determining pathologic results. Increasing length of lung parenchyma needle tract and smaller lung nodules appear to be risk factors for pneumothorax. Physicians should plan on intraparenchymal tracts that are less than 2 cm to decrease the chance of pneumothorax.

Transplant Renal Interventions.

Renal transplantation is the most commonly performed solid-organ allograft surgery; in 2021, 25487 kidneys were transplanted in the United States, and nearly 42,000 adult patients were listed for transplant. As the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage renal disease, transplantation is performed at more than 250 centers. Despite a high rate of success, renal transplantation is not without complication, and the interventional radiologist plays a crucial role in the management of the postoperative patient. Knowledge of postsurgical anatomy, imaging findings, and technical challenges unique to these patients is important for the safe and effective treatment of transplant-related conditions. We offer a guide to the most common interventions in the renal transplant population, including biopsy, vascular interventions, and the management of urinary obstruction.

Post-Embolization Hemoglobin Changes: When to Consider Re-intervention.

PURPOSE: Decline in hemoglobin (Hgb) levels is common post-embolization, but there is no consensus on the classification of patients based on risk for re-bleeding or re-intervention. The current study evaluated post-embolization Hgb level trends with the goal of understanding the factors predictive of re-bleeding and re-intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients who underwent embolization for gastrointestinal (GI), genitourinary, peripheral, or thoracic arterial hemorrhage from 01/2017 to 01/2022 were reviewed. Data included demographics, periprocedural pRBC transfusion (TF) or pressor requirements, and outcome. Lab data consisted of Hgb values pre-embolization, immediately post-embolization, and daily values on days 1-10 after embolization. Hgb trends were compared between patients across TF and re-bleeding outcomes. Regression model was used to examine factors predictive of re-bleeding and magnitude of Hgb reduction post-embolization. RESULTS: A total of 199 patients were embolized for active arterial hemorrhage. Perioperative Hgb level trends were similar for all sites and between TF + and TF- patients, showing a decline reaching a nadir within 6 days post-embolization followed by an upward trend. Maximum Hgb drift was predicted by GI embolization (p = 0.018), TF before embolization (p = 0.001), and use of vasopressor (p = 0.000). Patients with Hgb drop > 15% within the first two days post-embolization had a higher chance of having a re-bleeding episode (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Perioperative Hgb trends showed a consistent downward drift followed by an upward shift, irrespective of TF requirement status or site of embolization. Using a cut-off value of 15% Hgb reduction within the first two days post-embolization may be helpful to assess re-bleeding risk.

Two-year outcomes comparing Embosphere® microspheres versus Imipenem Cilastatin for genicular artery embolization in patients with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a novel technique and has the potential to provide midterm relief of pain for patients with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis resistant to conservative management. This study compares the efficacy and safety of trisacryl gelatin microspheres to Imipenem/Cilastatin particles for GAE with 2 years of clinical follow-up. METHODS: In this retrospective study, eight patients with knee osteoarthritis (11 knees) who underwent GAE with 100-300 µm trisacryl gelatin microspheres particles were compared with six patients (nine knees) who underwent GAE with Imipenem/Cilastatin particles. Clinical outcomes were evaluated at 3-month and 24-month follow-ups and compared to baseline using the WOMAC questionnaire. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 796 days (range: 736-808). There were no significant differences in clinical outcome measures at the 3-month or 24-month follow-up. Both embolic materials resulted in a decrease in Pain WOMAC and Total WOMAC scores at 3 months (p < 0.05), and the effect of treatment on Pain WOMAC and Total WOMAC score reduction was sustained until the 24-month follow-up (p < 0.05). Minor events (Clavien-Dindo classification grade I) included transient cutaneous color change (n = 3) and transient leg numbness (n = 1) after embolization with trisacryl gelatin microspheres particles (p = 0.08). All minor adverse events resolved spontaneously. There were no major adverse events. CONCLUSION: One hundred to three hundred µm trisacryl gelatin microspheres particles can be considered for genicular artery embolization and is comparable to Imipenem/Cilastatin particles in pain reduction of moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis. A sustained effect is observed for up to 2 years of follow-up.

Management of Patients With Gastric Varices.

Management of patients with gastric varices represents a unique challenge for clinicians. The broad range of endoscopic and endovascular techniques currently available is in stark contrast with the limited evidence available to inform the optimal management of these patients. This article describes the classification, pathophysiology, and natural history of gastric varices; summarizes the available evidence regarding medical, endoscopic, and endovascular management of gastric varices; and provides recommendations on how to integrate these options. Management of these patients ultimately requires a multidisciplinary approach involving hepatologists, therapeutic endoscopists, and interventional radiologists, with consideration given to patient characteristics and local expertise.

Particle Distribution in Embolotherapy, How Do They Get There? A Critical Review of the Factors Affecting Arterial Distribution of Embolic Particles.

Embolization has tremendously evolved in recent years and has expanded to treatment of a variety of pathologic processes. There has been emerging evidence that the level of arterial occlusion and the distribution of embolic particles may play an important role in the clinical outcome. This is a comprehensive literature review to identify variables that play important role in determination of level of occlusion of blood vessels and distribution of embolic particles. The literature searches between 1996 to 2020 through PubMed and Ovid-MEDLINE yielded over 1030 articles of which 30 studies providing details on the level of occlusion are reviewed here. We divided the playing factors into characteristics of the particles, solution/injection and vascular bed. Accordingly, particle size, type and aggregation, compressibility/deformability, and biodegradability are categorized as the factors involving particles' behavioral nature. Infusion rate and concentration/dilution of the medium are related to the carrying solution. Hemodynamics and the arterial resistance are characteristics of the vascular bed that also play an important role in the distribution of embolic particles. Understanding and predicting the level of embolization is a complex multi-factor problem that requires more evidence, warranting further randomized controlled trials, and powered human and animal studies.

Hepatic Computed Tomography Volumetry for Noninvasive Detection of Hepatic Steatosis and Steatohepatitis in Living Liver Donors.

OBJECTIVES: Detection of hepatic steatosis in donors is an important step for selection of a suitable liver allograft in living-donor transplant. This study aimed to investigate the role of hepatic computed tomography volumetry as a noninvasive method for detection of hepatic steatosis in living liver donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, individuals who had undergone liver biopsy as a pretransplant checkup before living-donor liver transplant were included. The segmental liver volumes were measured by computed tomography scan with intravenous contrast enhancement. RESULTS: Our study included 179 individuals. Mean total volume of the liver was 1705.2 ± 256.5 cm³ in those with steatohepatitis and 1419.4 ± 241.2 cm³ in those without steatohepatitis (P < .001). Higher total volume of the liver (odds ratio of 1.005; 95% confidence interval, 1.001-1.010; P = .012) and total liver volume-to-standard liver volume ratio (odds ratio of 1.090; 95% confidence interval, 1.021-1.163; P = .009) were independent predictors of steatohepatitis. A cutoff value of 1531 cm³ for total liver volume was a predictor of presence of steatohepatitis in liver biopsies of donors (sensitivity = 83%; specificity = 71%; area under the curve = 0.809; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomography volumetry may be considered as an auxiliary noninvasive method for estimation of hepatic steatosis/steatohepatitis and may be used as a guide to select donor candidates for liver biopsy.

Recanalization and Reconstruction of a Chronically Occluded Inferior Vena Cava Through an Existing Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt in the Setting of Budd-Chiari Syndrome.

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) results from the occlusion or flow reduction in the hepatic veins or inferior vena cava and can be treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt when hepatic vein recanalization fails.1-3 Hypercoagulable patients with primary BCS are predisposed to development of new areas of thrombosis within the TIPS shunt or IVC. This case details a patient with BCS, pre-existing TIPS extending to the right atrium, and chronic retrohepatic IVC thrombosis who underwent sharp recanalization of the IVC with stenting into the TIPS stent bridging the patient until his subsequent hepatic transplantation.

Biomarkers in the setting of benign prostatic hyperplasia-induced lower urinary tract symptoms: what an interventional radiologist needs to know.

With increasing evidence to support prostate artery embolization (PAE) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)-induced lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), Interventional Radiologists have begun to play an important role in the management of these patients. One area of knowledge needed when developing a PAE practice is knowledge of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and other biomarkers utilized to detect prostate cancer in this population and what role they should play in the work up and follow-up of patients presenting with presumed BPH-induced LUTS. Furthermore, understanding how to evaluate presumed BPH-induced LUTS and stratify the risk of prostate cancer is an important skill to develop. The goal of this review is to provide Interventional Radiologists who have begun or aim to begin a PAE practice with the information they need to know regarding PSA levels and prostate cancer risk stratification for this patient population.

Successful Percutaneous Transcatheter Closure of a Common Femoral Artery Pseudoaneurysm With Use of MicroVascular Plug Despite Continued Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis.

Common femoral artery pseudoaneurysm is a known complication of percutaneous vascular access. Treatment options include surgical repair of the pseudoaneurysm or endovascular methods such as ultrasound-guided compression and direct thrombin injection into the pseudoaneurysm sac. Treatment of pseudoaneurysm is more challenging when a patient is undergoing concurrent catheter-directed or systemic thrombolytic therapy. This is a case report of endovascular treatment of an iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm of common femoral artery in a patient receiving concurrent catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy. This was performed successfully by precise deployment of a MicroVascular Plug into the pseudoaneurysm neck with immediate closure of pseudoaneurysm. Midterm follow-up confirmed sustained exclusion of the pseudoaneurysm sac with continued patency of the treated femoral artery.

Effect of zinc supplementation on triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL, and HDL levels in zinc-deficient hemodialysis patients.

INTRODUCTION: Zinc deficiency is known to occur in widely diverse areas of world. It has now been recognized in many disease states, such as ESRD patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD). The purpose of this research was to study the effects of zinc supplementation on the concentration of serum zinc, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and cholesterol fractions (HDL, LDL) in HD patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a double blind trial, the effects of oral zinc supplementation on the serum concentration of zinc, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride in HD patients were evaluated. RESULTS: After 42 days, the mean serum zinc concentration among participants in the zinc-supplemented group increased. There was a significant elevation in the serum total cholesterol and also in mean the serum LDL and HDL cholesterol and serum triglyceride for the subjects in the zinc-supplemented group. DISCUSSION: A suboptimal level of the serum total cholesterol concentration is a factor associated with malnutrition and morbidity in the HD patients. Maintenance HD patients with both low serum zinc and low serum total cholesterol concentrations may benefit from zinc supplementation. Therefore, it is advisable to obtain baseline measurement of the serum zinc and total cholesterol concentrations in maintenance HD patients.

MRI in differentiating malignant versus benign portal vein thrombosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: Value of post contrast imaging with subtraction.

PURPOSE: To evaluate MR imaging parameters including quantitative multiphasic post-contrast enhancement with subtraction and qualitative diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) in differentiating benign versus malignant portal venous thrombosis (PVT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHOD: Radiology reports over a 6-year period ending February 2016 were searched for key words indicating presence of both HCC and PVT on abdominal MRI. 39 patients were identified with PVT characterized as benign or malignant based on pathologic data or serial imaging growth criteria. Image review was performed by two subspecialized radiologists blinded to the diagnosis and medical chart. Signal intensity for regions of interest were recorded within the portal vein thrombus as well as the portal vein on pre-contrast and dynamic post-contrast phases without and with subtraction. Qualitative parameters for DWI and presence of PV expansion were also evaluated. RESULTS: Percent enhancement generated high area under the curve (AUC) for both readers on all non-subtraction phases: arterial (0.95/0.98), portal venous (0.97/0.97) and delayed phase (0.96/0.99) and subtraction phases: arterial (0.91/0.96), portal venous (0.94/0.99) and delayed phases (0.96/0.97). Statistically significant differences were observed between benign and malignant PVT for both readers for PV expansion (p= <0.001/0.006). No qualitative DWI parameter reached statistical significance for both readers. CONCLUSIONS: Post-contrast and subtraction MRI can reliably distinguish malignant from benign PVT in patients with HCC using subtracted or non-subtracted images and at arterial, portal venous, or delayed phase timing.

Tracheal reconstruction by esophageal submuscular tunneling: an experimental study.

BACKGROUND: The problem of how to treat large tracheal lesions remains a challenge in surgery. To reconstruct a long tracheal defect, a safe method other than end-to-end anastomosis is necessary. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 14 adult cross-breed dogs, a segment of trachea including seven tracheal rings was dissected and resected circumferentially. A submuscular tunnel was induced between mucosal and muscular layers of the adjacent esophagus lying right next to the trachea. An endotracheal tube was inserted between the tracheal rings 2 and 3. Then it was passed cautiously through the esophageal submuscular tunnel and through the distal tracheal segment. The proximal and distal ends of the esophageal tunnel and trachea were approximated and anastamosed. The animals were extubated 10 days after the operation. RESULTS: All dogs tolerated the surgical procedure well. The first two dogs experienced postoperative fever, tracheoesophageal fistula, aspiration pneumonia, and sepsis so hard bony components were omitted from diet. All survived animals were eating and barking well. The submuscular esophageal tunnel was patent in all animals. The new lumen was supported externally with fibrous connective tissue. The tunnelized area was covered completely with pseudostratified ciliated epithelium. CONCLUSION: Due to formation of fibrous tissue between skeletal muscular structures of the neck and the external layer of the tunnelized esophagus, the new airway remained patent. Overall, air tightness, good reepithelialization, and relatively no limitation of esophageal length are the advantages of tracheal reconstruction by submuscular esophageal tunneling. This new method is worthy of further investigation, as it is technically feasible and easy to implement.