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Abnormalities in position and/or branching of the aortic arch can lead to vascular rings that may cause narrowing of the tracheal lumen due to external compression, or constriction of the oesophagus, causing symptoms that vary in relation to the anatomical vascular pattern and the relationship between these structures. Respiratory morbidity related to external airways compression is a major concern in children affected by vascular rings. Clinical presentation depends on the severity of the tracheal lumen reduction and the presence of associated tracheomalacia. Recurrent respiratory infections, wheezing, atelectasis, and hyperinflation are mostly reported. As they are nonspecific and therefore difficult to recognize, attention should be given to all children with history of respiratory distress, extubation failure, noisy breathing, and recurrent respiratory infections. Early diagnosis and referral to specialized centres can prevent the long-term complications and improve the respiratory outcomes of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The condition of mediastinal chondrosarcoma causing severe airway compression has never been reported before, and its complexity makes its surgical management challenging. We implemented two new techniques to overcome this problem. Creative mockup analogy of a distorted trachea and tumor lesion using a 3-D printing module, with reprogramming by computed tomography, streamlined the panorama with intricate correlation.Case Presentation: Our patient was a previously healthy 52-year-old slender yellow man who had no obvious medical history. In the last 3 years, upper respiratory tract infection and productive cough were noted frequently, and the patient's symptoms were aggravated with shortness of breath when his head was positioned below 90 degrees during squatting and hunching of the body. The patient manifested prone sleep with ashen complexion, and he had lost 3-4 kg of body weight over the 3 weeks before admission to our hospital. Virtual bronchoscopy with computed tomography revealed an 8.3 × 7.5 × 4-cm lobulated right upper mediastinal mass with amorphous calcification and severe, intricate airway compression. A creative mockup analogy module of the distorted trachea and tumor was generated by 3-D printing and reprogrammed by computed tomography to streamline the sophisticated correlation. The patient underwent a two-stage operation comprising stabilization of the airway for innovative T-tube insertion preceded by thoracoscopy-assisted radical removal of the tumor. Postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy was administered. The patient recovered uneventfully and stayed healthy for 2 solid years in follow-up.Conclusions: An advanced 3-D printing model provides affirmative information related to treatment strategy and is also a prospective tool for better doctor-patient communication regarding the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]