Feasibility of three-dimensional nasal imaging and printing in producing customized nasal masks for non-invasive ventilation in extremely low birth weight infant: A pilot study
Antonio Martín-Gónzález, Begoña Morrás de la Torre, Elena Bergón-Sendín, Aaron Jesús Pérez-López, Alejandro Ferrando-Sánchez, Carmen Rosa Pallás‐Alonso, María Teresa Moral‐Pumarega
Abstract
Several studies have been conducted to investigate the feasibility of customized nasal masks produced by three-dimensional (3D) facial imaging and printing for continuous positive airway pressure in adults and in premature mannequin. In ad­dition to replicating the entire process, we applied the customized nasal mask to a premature patient who weighed less than 1,000 g. Facial scanning was performed. The study masks were manufactured using stereolithography with a 3D printer mod­el Form3BL (FormLABS). Elastic 50 resin was used as the material. We verified the feasibility of the correct transmission of non-invasive ventilation and found that the mask improved the respiratory parameters and reduced the need for supplemental oxygen. The fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) was lowered from 45%, which was the requirement when the traditional mask is used, to almost 21% when the nasal mask was applied to the premature patient, who was either in incubator or in kangaroo position. In view of these results, a clinical trial is being launched to evaluate the safe­ty and efficacy of 3D-printed masks in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. 3D printing provides an alternative for obtaining customized masks that may be more suitable for non-invasive ventilation in ELBW infants than traditional masks.