Three-dimensional printing as an aid to airway evaluation after tracheotomy in a patient with laryngeal carcinoma

BMC Anesthesiology
Bin HanJun Wang

Abstract

Difficult airway may result in significant morbidity and mortality. Proficient airway evaluation, therefore, is one of the key elements in the safe conduct of anesthesia. A three-dimensional (3D) printing model was recently introduced for medical application. 3D printing is a fast, convenient, and relatively affordable technique. We present a case in which a 3D-printed airway model was successfully used for airway evaluation. A 77-year-old man who had previously undergone total laryngectomy was scheduled for resection of a pelvic mass. The condition of his airway, however, complicated the procedure. Routine methods to evaluate his airway were not suitable. Therefore, the patient's computed tomography imaging data were used to generate stereolithography files and then to print out 3D models of his trachea. These 3D models enhanced our understanding of his tracheal morphology. They helped us devise a preanesthesia plan and effectively execute it without complications. 3D printing models allow better understanding of morphological changes in the airway and aid preanesthesia planning. The successful outcome of our case suggests 3D printing is a potent tool for evaluating difficult and more widespread use is encouraged.

References

Nov 3, 2010·Revista española de anestesiología y reanimación·M Merino GarcíaJ C Bermejo González
May 24, 2013·The New England Journal of Medicine·David A ZopfGlenn E Green
Dec 18, 2013·Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia·Sergio BustamanteFrederick Norris
May 1, 2015·Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology·Pedro Paulo TanakaJay Brodsky
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May 23, 2015·Anesthesiology Clinics·Carlos A Artime, Carin A Hagberg
Jul 8, 2015·International Journal of Molecular Sciences·Derek H RosenzweigLisbet Haglund

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Citations

Jun 19, 2016·Tissue Engineering. Part B, Reviews·Emily A WronaDonald O Freytes
Sep 12, 2017·Anaesthesia·A HartoppG Miller
Jun 30, 2019·BMC Medical Education·Brian Han Khai HoSreenivasulu Reddy Mogali
Apr 2, 2021·Anaesthesia and Intensive Care·Natasha AbeysekeraKevin B Laupland
Jun 27, 2021·Seminars in Pediatric Surgery·Gaston Bellia-MunzonPatricio Bellia-Munzon

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