Creation of an animal model for long gap pure esophageal atresia

Long gap pure esophageal atresia (LGPEA) is a congenital disorder in which the esophagus is in discontinuity, and the proximal and distal ends cannot be anastomosed in a primary fashion. No animal model for pure esophageal atresia exists. Here we describe a survival animal model for LGPEA, which will ultimately serve to test novel devices and techniques to restore continuity. A non-survival study was first conducted in six rabbits to refine a protocol for the survival model. An open gastrostomy tube was placed, followed by a partial esophagectomy. Next, a survival study was performed with seven rabbits in which the same procedures were performed. Finally, the procedure was optimized in domestic swine. Despite developing the techniques and gaining valuable information in the non-survival study, none of the rabbits in the survival portion of the study lived beyond post-operative day four. Due to this complication with the rabbit, the LGPEA model was attempted in a porcine model. The pig survived to post-operative day ten, and was healthy enough to be used for further study. A porcine model of long gap pure esophageal atresia was developed which is effective and feasible to be used for testing new methods of treatment of LGPEA.