Novel 3D-printed tracheostomy tube for vertebral erosion in complex pediatric patient

Abstract

Tracheostomy complications are more common in children with scoliosis and abnormal chest wall anatomy. We present a 14-year-old with neuromuscular scoliosis and tracheostomy-dependent respiratory failure who developed full thickness tracheal erosion into her vertebral bodies from her tracheostomy cannula. This could not be alleviated by commercially available tracheostomy tubes. Therefore, a fully individualized 3D-printed tracheostomy tube in dental resin was created and placed resulting in radiographic and endoscopic resolution of the defect. To our knowledge this is the first report of a 3D printed tracheostomy tube and highlights a novel and evolving approach to pediatric patients with challenging airway anatomy.