Resorbable airway splint, stents, and 3D reconstruction and printing of the airway in tracheobronchomalacia

Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) is the most common tracheobronchial obstruction. Most cases are mild to moderate; therefore, they do not need surgical treatment. Severe tracheomalacia, however, represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge since they are very heterogeneous. In the armamentarium of resources for the treatment of dynamic airway collapse, splints and stents are two underused strategies and yet, they may represent the best alternative in selected cases. Lately, computed tomography 3D reconstruction of the airway has been used for the design of virtual models that can be 3D-printed for the creation of novel devices to address training, simulation, and biotechnological implants for refractory and severe airway malformations. This manuscript examines the role of resorbable stents, splints, and the 3D reconstruction and printing of the pediatric airway in tracheobronchomalacia. (c) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Tracheobronchomalacia is a common condition characterized by airway obstruction, with mild to moderate cases usually not requiring surgical treatment. Severe cases present a challenge for diagnosis and treatment, with splints and stents being potential effective strategies. Recent advancements in utilizing CT 3D reconstruction for creating virtual models have led to the development of novel devices for addressing severe airway malformations.