World’s First 3D Printed Trachea Successfully Transplanted in South Korea

The continuous innovations in 3D printing within the medical field never fail to astonish, offering possibilities previously unattainable through traditional methods. Additive manufacturing, primarily valued for its capacity to tailor medical solutions, presents numerous advantages, notably in personalized medical interventions. From ongoing research projects optimizing materials for 3D printed implants to the development of oral stents enhancing cancer treatment, the applications of this technology have been impressive.

Collaborating at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital of the Catholic University of Korea and Gachon University, scientists, doctors, and engineers achieved a historic milestone by conducting the world’s first study in which a custom-made 3D printed trachea was manufactured and transplanted. This pioneering procedure marked a significant milestone, offering hope to a woman in her fifties who had undergone thyroid cancer surgery, resulting in partial tracheal loss.

The 3D print of the artificial windpipe. (Photo Credits: T&R Biofab)

The transplantation of the 3D-printed trachea, crafted through bioprinting, was conducted by Professor Kim Seong-won and his team at the Catholic University College of Medicine. A follow-up examination conducted six months later revealed its success: not only had the tube healed, but new blood vessels had also developed. This breakthrough bears significant potential not only for individuals with thyroid cancer, but those affected by congenital anomalies, organ defects, or tracheal injuries as well. Conventional treatment methods post-thyroid cancer surgery, often deemed highly complex and high-risk, have consistently fallen short in restoring the trachea to its original state. The procedure utilized in this study has been under extensive research for the past two decades, dating back to 2004.