CLEVELAND — University Hospitals caregivers have implanted the first patient-specific, 3D-printed tracheal T-tube into a patient, according to a UH press release.

What You Need To Know

  • UH has implanted the first patient-specific, 3D-printed tracheal T-tube into a patient

  • The silicone tube, according to release, allows for the individual to breathe from their neck as opposed to their mouth
  • The patient, Sterling Brown, had a tracheostomy in September of 2022

  • The FDA gave compassionate use approval for this procedure

The silicone tube, according to release, allows for the individual to breathe from their neck as opposed to their mouth. They also note that while the tubes come in different sizes, they’re not specifically designed to fit to the patient.

“Sometimes the fit of a commercial T-tube can cause complications like mucus plugging, granulation tissue formation, interference with the vocal cords, and serious airway blockages,” the release reads.

The patient, Sterling Brown, had a tracheostomy in September of 2022.

“Sterling has a very uniquely shaped airway,” said Dr. Scott Howard, otolaryngologist and director of the Voice, Airway and Swallowing Center at UH Cleveland Medical Center in the release. “The commercially available T-tube wasn’t a good fit for him despite attempts to modify it and was causing complications including infections and damage to his vocal cords.”

While the FDA has not yet approved these tubes for medical use, they have for similar Y stents, which relieves “obstructions in the lower airways near the lungs when the airway is damaged or diseased.”

The release states that Howard received approval for “compassionate use” for this T-tube. Using a CT scan, Cleveland-based VisionAir Solutions created a 3D model of Brown’s airway.

Brown is a singer, even being featured on American Idol back in Season 3. His medical conditions and subsequent complications stopped that and even prevented him from talking.

“After the surgery to place this T-tube which was made for me, I had fewer complications,” Brown said in the release. “The fit is improved and it creates less mucus. I’m talking better and the tube is no longer damaging my vocal cords.”

While they’ll still need to change out Brown’s T-tube still, he can do that less frequently with this specially designed version.

“I’m grateful to my medical team for not giving up. I’ve been sick for a long time,” Brown said in the release. “I have hope to live a normal life again and find joy in singing thanks to the determination of my doctors.”