Three baby boys with life-threatening breathing problems are alive today thanks to 4D biomaterial windpipe, a medical implant that changes shape over time and helps them breath, researchers say.
The patients suffer from tracheobronchomalacia, a rare respiratory illness, which means that their windpipes (trachea) can collapse and prevent air from getting in, according to BBC News.
The research appearing in the journal Science Translational Medicine reveals that the device was rapidly customized for each individual and it was made out of materials that changes shape as the children grow up.
“This method was used as a last resort, and even though it worked in this case, it doesn’t mean it will work in all cases,” researchers from CS Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan said. “However it could prove to be a promising option for a condition that has no cure,” they added.
[quote text_size=”small” author=”– Dr. Glenn Green” author_title=”Pediatric otolaryngologist at the University of Michigan’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and senior author of the report”]
Today, we see a way to cure a disease that has been killing children for generations.
[/quote]
The researchers made the implants using a 3D printer. These printers can make three-dimensional objects from variety of materials: plastic, glass, ceramic, metal and even living cells, by depositing flat layers of different materials in order to create 3D objects.
Due to recent advances in technology, scientist started to develop 4D printers, capable of making three-dimensional objects that could change shape over time, to “fourth dimension”, and allow for child’s growth.
[quote text_size=”small” author=”– Natalie Peterson” author_title=”Mother of Garrett, one of the children saved by this procedure”]
I honestly don’t think we can ever thank Dr. Green and his team in Michigan enough. We know that without this procedure, Garrett was a month or so from passing away.
[/quote]
Due to the procedure, still not 100 percent safe and tested, the researchers are now pursuing a clinical trial for the 4D biomaterials for patients with less severe forms of tracheobronchomalacia, as reported by the Huffington Post.
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