3D-Printed Nose-to-Larynx Airway Model, Preliminary Study

Park, Anna; Yoo, Young Sam

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Flexible fiberscopy is essential in the examination of the nose to larynx airway. However, the instrument is sensitive to manipulation and can sometimes be damaged when excessive external force is applied. In addition, patients can be injured during fiberscopic examination. In this regard, a airway model mimicking the human airway passage was developed for the education of fiberscopy to minimize the danger to both patient and fiberscope. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Neck CT data was used to 3D-print the airway model. Using the 3D doctor software, the outlines of the air-filled cavities were extracted. The outline data was modified to make the inside of the outline empty and the outside filled with 3D ink resin. The airway data was used to 3D-print the replica in three pieces, which were then assembled into one. Flexible laryngoscopic examination of nose to larynx was performed using the nose-to-larynx airway model, and for a male patient enrolled in the study. Virtual endoscopy was performed using the same CT data. The examination data were then compared frame by frame with regards to the shapes and positions of nasal inlet, inferior turbinate, torus tubarius, hypopharynx, epiglottis and vocal cord.
RESULTS
The airway model was very similar in shape and position of the anatomic landmarks compared with real human airway examined by the fiberscope.
CONCLUSION
The results of 3D-printed airway model showed similar shapes as the real human airway, and real time endoscopy could be done using the model. This technique can be extended to make models of tubed organs such as the intestine or the bronchial tree.