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3D printed polyurethane prosthesis for partial tracheal reconstruction: a pilot animal study.
Soo Yeon Jung1, Sang Jin Lee, Ha Yeong Kim
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07985, Korea.
Biofabrication
|October 28, 2016
Summary
A novel 3D printed polyurethane tracheal scaffold demonstrates excellent biological integration and mechanical stability for repairing partial tracheal defects. This innovative scaffold promotes tissue regeneration and maintains patency, offering a promising therapeutic solution.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Current acellular patch prostheses for tracheal defects often lack sufficient biological integration and biomechanical function.
- There is a clinical need for ready-made, effective prostheses for partial tracheal defect repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel 3D printed polyurethane (PU) tracheal scaffold for partial tracheal defect repair.
- To assess the scaffold's micro-architecture, biomechanical properties, and in vivo performance, including tissue integration and functional recovery.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a half-pipe shaped PU tracheal scaffold using 3D printing with a porous inner microstructure and non-porous outer layer.
- Characterization of scaffold mechanical properties: ultimate tensile strength, Young's modulus, and elongation at break.
- In vivo implantation of scaffolds into rabbit anterior tracheal defects, followed by bronchoscopic, histologic, and biomechanical assessments over 16 weeks.
Main Results:
- The 3D printed PU scaffold exhibited robust mechanical properties suitable for physiological tracheal conditions.
- Bronchoscopic examination confirmed scaffold patency for 16 weeks post-implantation.
- Histology revealed successful re-epithelialization by 4 weeks and development of ciliated respiratory epithelium by 8 weeks, with significant connective tissue ingrowth.
- The scaffold's biomechanical properties were maintained throughout the 16-week study period.
Conclusions:
- The developed 3D printed PU tracheal scaffold demonstrates excellent biocompatibility, promoting host tissue infiltration and regeneration.
- The scaffold effectively restores tracheal defect integrity and function, maintaining patency and mechanical stability.
- This 3D printed scaffold represents a viable and promising alternative therapeutic treatment for partial tracheal defects.
