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Tracheal replacement remains a significant surgical challenge despite decades of research and technological advances. Current approaches using transplants, prosthetics with stem cells, or autologous tissue each have inherent limitations. A promising technique proposed by Garrison A. Leach, M.D., and team involves using a bioengineered trachea made from rib cartilage rings. However, this approach lacks respiratory ciliated epithelium (RCE) and has inconsistent cartilage graft quality. An oscillating pump system for tracheal stents would enable a pre-made stent to inflate and stimulate the stem cells to differentiate while holding its constructed shape.
Current tracheal stents require manual inflation and deflation of their cuffs, making them impractical for the 24/7 mechanical stimulation needed for proper stem cell differentiation and tissue development. Our solution implemented a linear actuator-driven syringe pump system with a closed-loop pressure sensor feedback mechanism to achieve precise control over the inflation-deflation cycles of the cuff-stent interface. This innovation will enable the development of a bioengineering trachea with optimized cartilage rings and a transferable respiratory ciliated epithelium made possible through the pump system aiding in the development of stem cell growth.
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