Treatment of airway stenosis with a customized bronchial stent using a three-dimensional printer and flexible filaments

Intuitive stent simulation with internal cavity airway models created by a consumer-grade three-dimensional printer: A case series

Airway stenting, which can cause life-threatening complications, requires advanced techniques as well as safe and reliable procedures. Learning effective techniques and accurately identifying and simulating malignant airway stenosis before the procedure are crucial. However, traditional methods that use three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography images displayed on two-dimensional screens have limitations in accurately visualizing and simulating airway conditions. To address these issues, this study presents the creation of 3D airway models using a consumer-grade 3D printer. These cost-effective and time-efficient models replicate the airway lumen, allowing precise stent placement simulations and enhancing the learning process of airway stenting techniques. In a case series of five patients with malignant airway stenosis, these models facilitated effective stent placement, enhanced the understanding of airway anatomy, and contributed to procedural success. This study's findings suggest that the use of 3D airway models has substantial potential for broader clinical applications in airway stenting. However, evidence for the widespread adoption of this technology is insufficient, and further research is needed.

Patient-specific 3D-printed nasopharyngeal stents in dogs: a cadaveric pilot study

Background

Currently available treatment options for nasopharyngeal stenosis and imperforate nasopharynx in dogs and cats are fraught with complications and failures.

Objective

To develop patient-specific nasopharyngeal stents using 3D-printed molds and to assess placement and fit of stents within the nasopharynx.

Animals

Six canine cadavers.

Methods

Patient-specific nasopharyngeal silicone stents were generated using 3D-printed molds based on CT scans. A placement protocol was developed. Post-placement, goodness of fit within the nasopharynx was evaluated and compared to currently used methods. Mechanical properties of silicone stents were compared to catheter-based and nitinol stents.

Results

Development and placement of stents was successful in all six cadavers. Silicone stents offered stiffness (force required for compression, N) and post-load deformation comparable to nitinol stents (1.8-6.2 vs. 1.2-3.3 N and 0.02-0.08 vs. 0.01-0.14 mm, respectively). Patient-specific stents offered superior goodness of fit in the nasopharynx (81-90%) compared to bilateral red rubber catheters (16.2-33.8%).

Conclusion

Development and placement of patient-specific stents using 3D printed molds was successful in all six cadavers. The novel stents exhibited similar mechanical properties and superior goodness of fit compared to commercially available stents, potentially offering a better alternative to commercially available stents. Further investigation is needed in animals with nasopharyngeal stenosis to determine efficacy and to assess utility in live patients.