Current Application and Future Prospects of 3D Printing in Otorhinolaryngology—A Narrative Review

Abstract

Application of three-dimensional printing (3D) technology is relatively new in healthcare, but significant progress has been made over the last few decades. The technology has been evolved and became more accessible and affordable for the medical use. The aim of the review article is to discuss the potential use of 3D printing in otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery. In the article, use of this novel technology is discussed across various subspecialties in terms of skill training, surgical planning and development of customised prosthesis. Internet searching was also performed for the commercial utility of 3D printed devices in ENT patient care. 3D printing is a promising technology. Numerous articles have been published in the international literature on its potential use in healthcare and progress is being made regularly by researchers to expand its implications in ENT. However, shortage of suitable 3D material which simulate human tissues for developing better training models discloses area of further research. Integration of tissue engineering 3D bioprinting provides significant opportunity to develop functional 3D printed implant for postsurgical reconstruction and organ transplantation.

Coatings Functionalization via Laser versus Other Deposition Techniques for Medical Applications: A Comparative Review

“…In 1984, Charles Hull invented stereolithography, which ushered in the era of 3D bioprinting (ISO/ASTM 52900:2015) [129]. The approach required employing a UV laser beam to create a real object from computer models [130,131].…”

“…Chuck Hull filed a patent for a stereolithographic process [130], attracting the world's attention and ushering in a period of rapid 3D printing growth. However, the term "3D printing" was coined later, and it originally related to MIT's powder bed adhesive jetting technology [132].…”

“…Otorhinolaryngology has always been a trailblazer in adopting new technology, and 3D bioprinting has now made its way into this field, opening up new possibilities in patient care [130].…”

Ex Vivo Maturation of 3D-Printed, Chondrocyte-Laden, Polycaprolactone-Based Scaffolds Prior to Transplantation Improves Engineered Cartilage Substitute Properties and Integration

“…[2][3][4][5] Among these, 3-dimensional (3D) bioprinting of cartilage substitutes presents the advantage of being tailor-made for each patient's defect, thus providing as yet another example of personalized medicine. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] Of note, it is relevant to consider criteria such as the size, shape, and biological and mechanical properties of the nasal cartilage for successful (i.e. functional) tissue reconstruction.…”

Preventing Biofilm Formation and Development on Ear, Nose and Throat Medical Devices

“…The combined existing information has helped the field develop quickly and offers new techniques that can be utilized independently or allow the expansion of existing options. However, biofilm formation remains a common issue in this application area, as it can promote the development of antimicrobial resistance and generate weakness points for any device or action [1,2]. Specifically, this phenomenon is encountered in patients who undergo implantations of exogenous materials; thus, they are susceptible to postoperative infection risks that often result in prolonged hospitalization, development of various diseases, and increased morbidity [3].…”