Citation

Haghdel M, Alizadeh AA, Ghasemi Y, Hosseinpour H, Foroutan H, Shahriarirad S, Anbardar MH, Dehghani SM, Imanieh MH. Journal of 3D Printing in Medicine 2021; 5(1): 11-21.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021)

DOI

10.2217/3dp-2020-0023

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

AIM: This study aimed to introduce a 3D printed, flexible esophageal stent, which is useful in personalized treatment of patients with esophageal strictures and also reduce the adverse effects of the existing esophageal stent. Materials & methods: Bio-grade polylactic acid (PLA), bio-grade transparent thermoplastic polyurethane and bio-grade polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) granules were purchased. The dichloromethane (DCM) and dimethylformamide (DMF), and the double distilled water were used as the solvent for PLA, thermoplastic polyurethane and PVA, respectively. The stent was designed by Solidworks software and subsequently printed by a 3D bioprinter (Mobio Tech V1.2). The biocompatibility, self-expansion, anti-inflammation and cytotoxicity of the printed stent were assessed in an in vitro and in vivo normal canine esophagus. An individualized 3D-printed flexible polymer stent was also implemented for a 16-year-old boy who presented with esophageal stricture following ingestion of corrosive chemicals. The patient was followed for 2 months with further endoscopic and pathology evaluations.

RESULTS: Several tests were performed before and after the stent placement. Mechanical tests showed that the nature and behavior of the polymeric materials used in the esophagus stent did not change significantly along treatment. Pathology results further indicated that the polymer stent did not have major inflammatory effects and cytotoxicity.

CONCLUSION: The results show that the individualized 3D printed Biocompatible polymeric stent has potential applications in treating esophageal strictures. © 2021 All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

adolescent; human; male; case report; suicide attempt; clinical article; priority journal; recurrent disease; nonhuman; ingestion; follow up; dysphagia; esophagus burn; caustic agent; esophagitis; solvent; histopathology; gastrointestinal endoscopy; Article; polymerization; in vitro study; gastritis; in vivo study; esophagus stenosis; clinical assessment; computer simulation; computer aided design; polyurethan; antiinflammatory activity; cytotoxicity; polylactic acid; dichloromethane; degradation; esophagogastroduodenoscopy; caustic ingestion; biocompatibility; software; tissue adhesion; 3D printing; canine model; distilled water; esophageal stent; esophageal stricture; esophagus tissue; flexible polymeric stent; glass transition temperature; mechanical test; n,n dimethylformamide; percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy; polyvinyl alcohol; three dimensional printing