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The Sophia Anatomical Infant Nose-Throat (Saint) model: a valuable tool to study aerosol deposition in infants
H M Janssens1, J C de Jongste, W J Fokkens
1Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Sophia Children's Hospital/Erasmus Medical Centre Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Insights
Researchers created an anatomically accurate child upper airway model for in vitro aerosol deposition studies. This 3D printed model accurately mimics infant airways, enabling new insights into pediatric aerosol delivery.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pediatric Respiratory Research
- Inhalation Toxicology
Background:
- Limited understanding of factors affecting inhaled aerosol lung deposition in children.
- Need for in vitro tools to study pediatric aerosol delivery and deposition.
- Existing models lack anatomical accuracy for young children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct an anatomically correct 3D model of a young child's upper airways.
- To validate the model's anatomical fidelity using CT imaging.
- To assess the model's utility for in vitro aerosol deposition studies.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 3D CT scan of a child's skull and neck to capture airway anatomy.
- Employed stereolithography with UV-sensitive resin to fabricate the physical model.
- Validated anatomical accuracy via comparison of 3D CT scans of the model and original patient data.
- Connected the model to a breathing simulator for aerosol delivery via MDI/spacer.
Main Results:
- An anatomically accurate upper airway model of a 9-month-old child was successfully constructed.
- The model's CT scan closely matched the in vivo scan, confirming anatomical fidelity.
- In vitro aerosol deposition measurements, including lung dose, were comparable to in vivo data.
Conclusions:
- A stereolithographic method can produce anatomically correct child upper airway models.
- This validated model enables in vitro studies of aerosol deposition in young children.
- The model provides insights into pediatric aerosol treatment not achievable in vivo.
Abstract:
Relatively little is known about the variables that influence lung deposition of inhaled aerosols in children. A model of the upper airways of an infant could be a useful tool to study these variables in vitro. The objective of this study was to construct an anatomically correct model of the upper airways of a young child. A routine three-dimensional (3D) CT scan of the skull and neck of a child was selected that included the airway from the nasal cavity down to the subglottic region. The CT scan was edited to obtain an anatomically correct distinction between air and mucosa. Next, a model was constructed with a stereolithographic technique using a UV-sensitive resin. To validate the model, a 3D CT scan of the model was made and compared to the anatomy of the original image. To study aerosol deposition, the model was connected to a breathing simulator. Medical aerosols were delivered to the model by MDI/spacer during stimulated breathing. An upper airway model was made of a 9-month-old child that needed reconstructive surgery for a skull deformity and with normal anatomy of the upper airways. The nasal airway of the model was open for air passage and the oral airway was closed. The CT scan of the model matched the original in vivo CT scan closely. Aerosol deposition measurements showed that dose passing the model, or lung dose, was comparable with in vivo lung deposition data. We have constructed an anatomically correct model of the upper airways of a child, using a stereolithographic method for in vitro studies of aerosol deposition in young children. This model will be used to obtain insight in aerosol treatment that cannot be obtained in vivo.
