Research Progress of Three-Dimensional (3D) Bio-Printing Technology in Solving Clinical Airway Problems

Abstract

The difficult airways caused by congenital or acquired variations are one of the major challenges in clinical anesthesia. The airway tools, airway stents, patches and others nowadays are produced in fixed specification, with complex process, long cycle and poor tissue compatibility, which may increase the risk of infection and difficultly meet the airway variations and airway surgeries. In addition, young anesthesiologists need long time of training before they can independently deal with the difficulty airway. Three-dimensional (3D) bio-printing technology is a promising method in solving clinical airway problems. This article intends to make a summary and prospect of related areas.