Fabrication of a 3D printed everolimus-eluting stent made of thermoplastic polyurethane and polylactide

Abstract

Bronchial stenoses are one of the most common airways complications after lung transplantation. One of the main methods to restore airway patency is bronchial stenting. However, bronchial stenting is associated with a number of complications, such as stent migration, granulation tissue formation along the proximal and distal edges, and mucus obstruction of the lumen. This article demonstrates the possibility of manufacturing an everolimus-eluting stent from thermoplastic polyurethane and polylactide using 3D printing.

Keywords

• lung transplantation
• airways complications
• bronchial stenosis
• bronchial stenting
• silicone stents
• metal stents
• bioresorbable stents
• 3d printing
• drug-eluting stents