title: The Emerging Role of 3-Dimensional Printing in Rhinology.
abstract: Nasal septal perforations, particularly those that are large and irregular in shape, often present as challenging surgical dilemmas. New technology has allowed us to develop techniques using computed tomography imaging and 3-dimensional (3D) printers to design custom polymeric silicone septal buttons. These buttons offer patients an option that avoids a surgical intervention when standard buttons do not fit well or are not tolerated. Preliminary data suggest that buttons designed by 3D printer technology provide more comfort than standard commercially available or hand-carved buttons with equivalent reduction of symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. Electronic address: stokken.janalee@mayo.edu.
authors.forename: Janalee K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Stokken
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
authors.forename: John F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Pallanch
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D061270:Nasal Septal Perforation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D009300:Nasal Septum / Q000601:surgery; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D066330:Printing, Three-Dimensional; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012225:Rhinoplasty / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
keywords: 3D printing; Computed tomography; Nasal septal perforation; Prosthetic closure; Septal prostheses