Preliminary application of a 3D-printed track-guided precise drug delivery device for the sinuses after endoscopic sinus surgery

Abstract

Background Conventional treatment for eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (eCRSwNP) is usually limited; consequently, relapses occur frequently, accurate local drug delivery is currently a research area of major interest. Methods Based on postoperative nasal sinus computed tomography (CT) images, the 3D printing technique was used to design and fabricate a precise track-guided sinus drug delivery device. The control group was treated with glucocorticoids by nasal spray for 1 year according to the conventional method, while the experimental group received topical nasal glucocorticoids using the 3D-printed track-guided precise sinus drug delivery device for 1 year. Scores on the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) scale and the Lund-Kennedy nasal endoscopic scale during reexamination at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after the operation were used as the basis for evaluation. Results The follow-up duration was 12 months or more following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) with neosinus cavity formation. The two groups showed significant differences in SNOT-22 scores and nasal polyp Lund-Kennedy subscores at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year (p < 0.001) and no differences in plasma cortisol at 6 months and 1 year (p > 0.05). Conclusion Local drug administration using our 3D-printed precise sinus drug delivery device is superior to conventional nasal cavity administration in controlling eCRS recurrence.