The Science Translational Medicine has published a paper on the first successful use of 3D printed growth-flexible implants in health care, to treat tracheobronchomalacia.

This abnormality causes softening of the windpipe, leading to collapse of the airway and ultimately breathing failure. One out of every 2,200 children born suffers from this condition.

The technology has helped expand the airway of the suffering child, during the critical period of growth. When the child is supported through the first 24 to 36 months, the airway grows eventually, resulting in a natural resolution of this disease.

The 3D-printed, flexible devices have already helped cure 3 babies named Kaiba, Ian and Garrett. The three babies were aged 3 months, 16 months and 5 months. The airways of these diseased children were stent with 3D- printed splints.

The material used in the implants is bio-absorbable, and each implant is customized to suit the anatomy of the patient. No compilations have been noted in any of the three babies, after they have been fixed with the 3D printed implants.

The babies no longer need to undergo tube replacement or tracheostomy, which often leads to life-threatening complications with high rates of cardiac and respiratory arrest.

Dr. Glenn Green, associate professor of Paediatric Otolaryngology, C. S. Mott, said, "Before this procedure, babies with severe tracheobronchomalacia had little chance of surviving. We found that this treatment continues to prove to be a promising option for children facing this life-threatening condition that has no cure".

The 3D technology has worked miraculously to treat Pediatric tracheobronchomalacia or TBM. The best time to perform this procedure is within the first 2 to 3 years of the child.

However, this technique may not work on severe cases and only patients with mild to moderate degree of TBM could be cured.