OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of several types of rib rings with intercostal muscles for the replacement of trachea in thorax. METHODS: The surface layer of the third rib of dogs were ripped off and curved into triangular, quadrilateral and polygonal form. These three types of rib rings with intercostal muscles were used to replace a segment of trachea in thorax. RESULTS: The stability of triangular rib ring was very well, but stricture of ring were often happened because of its smaller internal diameter. These stability of quadrilateral rib ring was the worst. The polygonal rib ring presented the biggest diameter and good stability compared to the other two kinds of rings. If silicone tube was supplemented in the polygonal rib ring, the quality of artificial trachea was excellent. CONCLUSION: The rib rings with intercostal muscles are successfully used for replacing the defect of trachea in canine thorax. The polygonal rib rings have the best quality in the three types of rib ring for tracheal replacement.