Airway Tissue Engineering: Anatomy, Physiology, and Future Developments

This lecture by the instructor covers the anatomy and physiology of the airway, including the upper airway structures, epithelial functions, and defense mechanisms. It discusses clinical conditions necessitating airway replacement, the ideal tracheal replacement criteria, available surgical options, and the challenges associated with synthetic and decellularized allografts. The lecture also explores future developments in tracheal regeneration, emphasizing the importance of scaffolds, cells, growth factors, and vascular supply. It highlights the need for thorough pre-clinical studies and a reliable cell source for successful bioengineered trachea transplantation.