← Articles

Brisimi et al: Influence of age on resistance to distraction after tracheal anastomoses in dogs: An ex vivo study
Veterinary Surgery 5, 2022

🔍 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.

Simini Surgery Review Podcast

How critical is this paper for crushing the Boards?

🚨 Must-know. I’d bet on seeing this.

📚 Useful background, not must-know.

💤 Skip it. Doubt it’ll ever show up.

Thanks for the feedback!
‍We'll keep fine-tuning the articles vault.
Oops — didn’t go through.
‍Mind trying that again?
← Articles

Brisimi et al: Influence of age on resistance to distraction after tracheal anastomoses in dogs: An ex vivo study
Veterinary Surgery 5, 2022

🔍 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.

Simini Surgery Review Podcast

Know What Matters in the Literature - and Why

We distill peer-reviewed surgical studies into clinically relevant summaries and
exam-style questions, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Free Access. No Spam. Just Smarter Surgical Learning

Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Brisimi 2022 et al., on tracheal anastomosis tension, which statement is true?

A. Adult dogs had higher elongation before failure
B. Immature dogs had higher elongation before failure
C. Both groups had similar elongation before failure
D. Elongation was not measured
E. Higher elongation occurred with interrupted suture patterns

Answer: Immature dogs had higher elongation before failure

Explanation: Immature tracheae sustained more elongation (39.75%) than adult tracheae (30.57%).
In Brisimi 2022 et al., on tracheal anastomosis tension, which group demonstrated significantly higher force to failure?

A. Immature dogs
B. Adult dogs
C. Mixed breeds
D. Immature dogs with nylon suture
E. All groups were similar

Answer: Adult dogs

Explanation: Adult dogs showed significantly higher distraction forces at failure compared to immature dogs (149.31 N vs. 44.91 N).
In Brisimi 2022 et al., on tracheal anastomosis tension, what suture pattern and material was used for the anastomoses?

A. Simple interrupted with nylon
B. Simple continuous with nylon
C. Simple interrupted with polypropylene
D. Simple continuous with polypropylene
E. Mattress sutures with polydioxanone

Answer: Simple continuous with polypropylene

Explanation: The study used 2-0 polypropylene in a simple continuous pattern with 4 mm spacing.
In Brisimi 2022 et al., on tracheal anastomosis tension, where did failure most commonly occur?

A. Suture rupture at midline
B. Suture pullthrough at annular ligament
C. Tracheal ring fracture
D. Clamp dislodgement
E. Cartilage necrosis

Answer: Suture pullthrough at annular ligament

Explanation: All constructs failed by tearing through the annular ligament near the dorsal ring.
In Brisimi 2022 et al., on tracheal anastomosis tension, what limitation of the annular ligament-cartilage technique was observed?

A. Cartilage ring necrosis in all samples
B. Air leakage across all anastomoses
C. Tissue overlap in 50% of cases
D. No tensile strength generated
E. Failure to secure knots in adult dogs

Answer: Tissue overlap in 50% of cases

Explanation: Overlapping/overriding of tracheal ends was seen in 50% of specimens, impairing apposition.

Access the full library of surgical summaries and exam-style questions.

Get Instant Access

Educational content developed independently and supported by Simini.

The maker of Simini Protect Lavage.

Review More Key Summaries from this Veterinary Surgery Journal Issue

Stoneburner

 et al: 

Laparoscopy and thoracoscopy in small animal surgery: A 2020 survey of small animal surgical diplomates and residents

Fracka

 et al: 

3D-printed, patient-specific cutting guides improve femoral and tibial cut alignment in canine total knee replacement

Rocheleau

 et al: 

Short‐term outcomes of 43 dogs treated with arthroscopic suturing for meniscal tears

Geier

 et al: 

The effect of a smoke‐evacuation unit on ultrafine particle concentrations in the operating room during approach to the proximal tibia for tibial plateau-leveling osteotomy surgery in dogs

Mullins

 et al: 

Accuracy of pin placement in the canine thoracolumbar spine using a free-hand probing technique versus 3D-printed patient-specific drill guides: An ex-vivo study