Feasibility and potential of three-dimensional printing in laryngotracheal stenosis.
- Resource Type
- Article
- Authors
- Richard, Z; Jackson, E; Jung, J P; Kanotra, S P
- Source
- Journal of Laryngology & Otology. Jun2019, Vol. 133 Issue 6, p530-534. 5p.
- Subject
- *STENOSIS
*AIRWAY (Anatomy)
*LARYNGEAL diseases
*CASE studies
*PATIENT education
*RESPIRATORY obstructions
*STRUCTURAL models
*PLASTIC surgery
*TRACHEA
*TRACHEAL diseases
*RETROSPECTIVE studies
*THREE-dimensional printing
*TERTIARY care
*THERAPEUTICS
- Language
- ISSN
- 0022-2151
Background: The use of three-dimensional printing has been rapidly expanding over the last several decades. Virtual surgical three-dimensional simulation and planning has been shown to increase efficiency and accuracy in various clinical scenarios. Objectives: To report the feasibility of three-dimensional printing in paediatric laryngotracheal stenosis and discuss potential applications of three-dimensional printed models in airway surgery. Method: Retrospective case series in a tertiary care aerodigestive centre. Results: Three-dimensional printing was undertaken in two cases of paediatric laryngotracheal stenosis. One patient with grade 4 subglottic stenosis with posterior glottic involvement underwent an extended partial cricotracheal reconstruction. Another patient with grade 4 tracheal stenosis underwent tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis. Models of both tracheas were printed using PolyJet technology from a Stratasys Connex2 printer. Conclusion: It is feasible to demonstrate stenosis in three-dimensional printed models, allowing for patient-specific pre-operative surgical simulation. The models serve as an educational tool for patients' understanding of the surgery, and for teaching residents and fellows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]