Patient-specific airway stent using three-dimensional printing: a review

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Respiratory Medicine
• 3D Printing Technology

Background:

• Airway stents are crucial for maintaining patency but are associated with significant complications and poor fit in complex airways.
• Traditional stents are often a last resort due to their limitations and potential adverse effects.
• Three-dimensional (3D) printing emerged in the late 20th century, revolutionizing healthcare applications, including anatomical modeling for surgical planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in 3D printing technology for airway prostheses.
• To explore the application of 3D printing in creating patient-specific stents for complex airway diseases.
• To present current evidence supporting the use of 3D-printed airway stents.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent literature on 3D printing technology in respiratory medicine.
• Analysis of applications in creating 3D airway models, splints, and prostheses.
• Examination of the development of patient-specific stents using 3D printing.

Main Results:

• 3D printing has enabled personalized medicine, particularly in creating patient-specific airway stents.
• These custom stents show potential to minimize complications associated with traditional airway stents.
• 3D printing facilitates the development of airway prostheses for complex airway diseases, improving treatment outcomes.

Conclusions:

• 3D printing technology offers a transformative approach to treating complex airway diseases.
• Patient-specific stents fabricated via 3D printing may enhance quality of life and reduce the need for repeat interventions.
• This technology represents significant progress in personalized airway management and prosthetics.