a new brace for maintaining the neck in a suitable position following tracheal reconstruction

segmental resection and end-to-end anastomosis is the treatment of choice for patients suffering from tracheal stenosis for whom conservative management is not planned. a complication of this procedure is tension-induced anastomotic failure. to prevent this complication, maintaining the neck in full flexion by means of a suture between the chin and upper chest is a traditional approach. we have designed a new brace (shiraz brace) that securely supports the neck in this position and decreases the bothersome use of the suture alone.