The Emerging Role of 3-Dimensional Printing in Rhinology

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Medical Device Technology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Nasal septal perforations, especially large or irregular ones, pose significant surgical challenges.
• Standard septal buttons may not fit well or be tolerated by all patients.
• Existing solutions often require surgical intervention or are suboptimal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate custom-designed polymeric silicone septal buttons fabricated using 3D printing technology.
• To provide a non-surgical alternative for patients with nasal septal perforations.
• To compare the comfort and efficacy of 3D printed buttons against standard options.

Main Methods:

• Utilized computed tomography (CT) imaging to capture detailed nasal anatomy.
• Employed 3-dimensional (3D) printing to create custom-fit silicone septal buttons.
• Compared patient-reported comfort and symptom reduction between 3D printed and standard buttons.

Main Results:

• 3D printed septal buttons were successfully designed and fabricated for patients with challenging perforations.
• Preliminary data indicate enhanced patient comfort with 3D printed buttons compared to standard or hand-carved buttons.
• Symptom reduction was equivalent between 3D printed and traditional septal buttons.

Conclusions:

• 3D printing technology enables the creation of custom septal buttons as a viable non-surgical treatment for nasal septal perforations.
• Custom 3D printed buttons offer improved patient comfort and satisfaction.
• This technology provides a valuable alternative for patients intolerant to standard septal devices.