New application of three-dimensional printing biomaterial in nasal reconstruction

Polycaprolactone (PCL) is an U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved synthetic biodegradable polymer and is easily fabricated into three-dimensional (3D) structures. In this study, the 3D-printed PCL implant for nasal augmentation was further evaluated for its suitability for nasal surgeries such as septoplasty and rhinoplasty.

Ten New Zealand White rabbits were included and divided into study and sham groups (7 and 3, respectively). A lateral incision was made on the nasal dorsum and a pocket formed in the subperichondrial plane between the upper lateral cartilage and nasal septum. Polycaprolactone was fabricated based on 3D printing technology into a 0.8 × 0.8-cm rectangular shape for use as a nasal implant. The material was inserted as a septal extension graft and sutured with alar cartilage for nasal reshaping. The implants were harvested 4, 8, and 12 weeks after implantation and evaluated by gross morphological assessment and histological examination.

The initial shape of the implant was unchanged in all cases, and no definitive postoperative complications were seen over the 3-month period. Gross morphological evaluation confirmed that implants remained in their initial location without migration or extrusion. Histologic evaluations showed that the implant architectures were maintained with excellent fibrovascular ingrowth and minimal inflammatory reactions.

Polycaprolactone can be used for nasal reconstruction such as nasal augmentation. Polycaprolactone is easy to work with and will avoid the increased operative time and morbidity associated with autograft harvesting. Therefore, PCL implants designed by 3D printing can serve as clinically biocompatible materials in craniofacial reconstruction in the future.

NA. Laryngoscope, 127:1036-1043, 2017.