Airway stent insertion simulated with a three-dimensional printed airway model

Abstract

A 30-year-old man underwent right single-lung transplantation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The bronchial anastomosis developed ischemic change, resulting in stenosis of the intermediate bronchus. A modified Y-shaped airway stent with the fabricated orifice of the upper lobe was inserted by rigid bronchoscopy. Before the operation, a three-dimensional printed bronchial model of this patient was made for surgical simulation. This model enabled us to perform the operation easily, quickly, and successfully. The patient's condition improved after airway stent insertion. The three-dimensional printed airway model provided sufficient preoperative understanding of the patient's anatomy for planning the surgical procedure.