Do you believe 3-D printing could be used for other anatomical birth defects, and specifically for EA/TEF kids? My daughter had type C long gap (tracheamalacia, also, though it has improved over time) and did not respond to the traditional esophagus stretching technique for a primary repair. She had a successful gastric interposition surgery to connect her esophagus and stomach right before her second birthday. When it was determined that the esophagus stretching did not work for her while in the NICU, her surgeon gave her a spit fistula to allow her to swallow comfortably and lead a "normal" life at home until she was ready for the big surgery. So, for kids like her, could a 3-D esophagus splint be a future possibility to have repair sooner or even as an alternative option to moving internal organs?
And thank you for the work you do! I have been honored to have a cutting edge surgical team following my daughter's complex case (her surgical team performed the stem-cell created trachea transplant on a 3 year old last year), and can I tell you that the work you do gives many families hope and comfort when caring for their children! Thank you!
Beauti84272 karma
Do you believe 3-D printing could be used for other anatomical birth defects, and specifically for EA/TEF kids? My daughter had type C long gap (tracheamalacia, also, though it has improved over time) and did not respond to the traditional esophagus stretching technique for a primary repair. She had a successful gastric interposition surgery to connect her esophagus and stomach right before her second birthday. When it was determined that the esophagus stretching did not work for her while in the NICU, her surgeon gave her a spit fistula to allow her to swallow comfortably and lead a "normal" life at home until she was ready for the big surgery. So, for kids like her, could a 3-D esophagus splint be a future possibility to have repair sooner or even as an alternative option to moving internal organs?
And thank you for the work you do! I have been honored to have a cutting edge surgical team following my daughter's complex case (her surgical team performed the stem-cell created trachea transplant on a 3 year old last year), and can I tell you that the work you do gives many families hope and comfort when caring for their children! Thank you!
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