In a groundbreaking procedure, US researchers used a 3D printer to create a custom, life-saving implant for a baby boy, according to a Live Science report.<br /><br />At just six weeks old, Kaiba Gionfriddo came down with a life-threatening disorder that left him constantly gasping for air.<br /><br /><br />The rare condition, called tracheo broncho malacia, occurs when the windpipe is so fragile, it collapses, bulging inwards and prevents air from flowing into the lungs.<br /><br />Researchers at the University of Michigan used 3D printers to create a device out of a material called polycaprolactone, designed to dissolve in three year's time once the baby has grown.<br /><br />The splint was made to fit precisely around the baby's airway, hold it open and allow him to breathe.<br /><br />Three weeks after the procedure, the now 20-month-old no longer needs a ventilator to help him breathe. The case represented the first time 3D printing was used in the creation of a medical device that saved someone's life, according to Live Science.<br /><br />FOR MORE TOMONEWS US, GO TO: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=TomoNewsUS <br />Facebook http://www.facebook.com/TomoNewsUS<br />Twitter @tomonewsus http://www.twitter.com/TomoNewsUS<br />Google+ http://gplus.to/TomoNewsUS<br /><br />FOR FUNNY TAIWANESE ANIMATIONS, GO TO: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=NMAWorldEdition <br /><br />FOR FUNNY TAIWANESE ANIMATIONS IN ENGLISH, GO TO: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=NMAtv <br /><br />FOR TOMONEWS IN JAPANESE, GO TO: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=TomoNewsJP <br /><br />FOR APPLE DAILY ENGLISH, GO TO: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AppleDailyEnglish
