[Development and safety study of a 3D printed middle turbinate splint]

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Context:

• Synechiae formation and middle turbinate adhesion are common complications following chronic sinusitis surgery, often leading to treatment failure.
• Existing methods for preventing these postoperative complications are varied, with a need for improved solutions.
• Intranasal adhesions can significantly impact patient quality of life and necessitate further surgical intervention.

Purpose:

• To develop and evaluate a novel, anatomically designed intranasal splint for preventing synechiae and adhesions of the middle turbinate.
• To assess the safety and preliminary efficacy of a 3D-printed, biocompatible splint in the postoperative period following chronic sinusitis surgery.
• To utilize 3D computer modeling and 3D printing technologies to create patient-specific or anatomically tailored surgical aids.

Summary:

• Anatomical intranasal splints were designed using 3D computer modeling based on CT scans of 50 patients and 3D printed from a biocompatible elastic material.
• A safety study involving 20 volunteers demonstrated that the splint, worn for two weeks post-surgery, caused no allergic reactions or significant discomfort.
• The splint installation was observed to prevent synechiae formation, although further clinical trials with larger patient cohorts are needed to confirm efficacy.

Impact:

• The developed 3D-printed splint shows potential as an effective tool to reduce postoperative complications in chronic sinusitis surgery.
• Successful prevention of synechiae can lead to improved surgical outcomes and reduced revision rates.
• This technology offers a personalized approach to nasal surgery aids, potentially enhancing patient recovery and long-term results.