3D-printed, externally-implanted, bioresorbable airway splints for severe tracheobronchomalacia

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Severe tracheobronchomalacia poses significant challenges in critically ill children, often necessitating prolonged mechanical ventilation and hospitalization.
• Conventional treatments may have limitations in addressing the complex airway dynamics in this patient population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of patient-specific, three-dimensional (3D)-printed, bioresorbable airway splints.
• To assess the impact of these splints on respiratory support requirements and patient disposition in pediatric cases.

Main Methods:

• A case series design was employed, involving 15 critically ill children with severe tracheobronchomalacia who received 29 bioresorbable airway splints.
• Data collected included respiratory support levels (e.g., PEEP), splint-related complications, and patient disposition (e.g., discharge, home survival).

Main Results:

• Following splint implantation, significant improvements were observed in respiratory support, with a median decrease in positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) for ventilated patients.
• At a median follow-up of 8.5 months, 12 of 13 surviving subjects were able to live at home, with many showing reduced dependence on mechanical ventilation.

Conclusions:

• Patient-specific, 3D-printed bioresorbable airway splints demonstrate initial clinical efficacy in managing severe tracheobronchomalacia in critically ill children.
• This innovative approach offers a potential solution to improve outcomes and facilitate discharge for children with complex airway conditions.