A beginner's guide to using personalised three-dimensional airway stents.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Respiratory Medicine
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Conventional silicone airway stents effectively treat airway stenoses but often cause complications such as migration and granulation tissue formation.
• These complications decrease patient tolerance and necessitate additional procedures, diminishing the overall therapeutic benefit of traditional stents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the process of creating personalized, three-dimensional (3D)-printed silicone airway stents.
• To guide physicians in selecting appropriate patients for 3D-printed stent utilization.
• To explore the current and potential future applications of 3D-printed airway stents.

Main Methods:

• This study is a narrative review of existing literature and clinical insights.
• It focuses on the fabrication process and patient selection criteria for 3D-printed silicone stents.
• The review synthesizes information on the advantages and limitations of this technology.

Main Results:

• Personalized 3D-printed silicone stents present a viable solution to mitigate complications associated with conventional stents.
• The creation process for 3D-printed stents is relatively straightforward.
• Current applications are primarily for complex anatomical airway stenoses.

Conclusions:

• 3D-printed silicone airway stents show potential for improved patient outcomes in managing airway stenoses.
• Further research and technological advancements may expand indications for 3D-printed stents.
• Physician understanding of the 3D stent creation and patient selection is crucial for successful implementation.