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. 2024 Mar 29;38(4):ivae037.
doi: 10.1093/icvts/ivae037.

Three-dimensional printed pure-titanium implantation for chest wall reconstruction involving the sternum and ribs: a novel approach

Dong Woog Yoon  1 , Tae Ho Kim  1 , Min Jae Cha  2 , Gun-Hee Kim  3 , ByoungSoo Lee  3 , Hyung Giun Kim  3 , Minhyeok Kwon  4 , Donghoon Jang  4 , Byungjoon Park  1
Affiliations

Three-dimensional printed pure-titanium implantation for chest wall reconstruction involving the sternum and ribs: a novel approach

Dong Woog Yoon et al. Interdiscip Cardiovasc Thorac Surg. .

Abstract

Chest wall reconstruction is challenging due to the complex shape and large defect size. The three-dimensional printing technology enables the fabrication of customized implants, and 3D-printed pure-titanium could provide superior mechanical properties to conventional materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term outcomes of patients undergoing chest wall reconstruction with a 3D-printed pure-titanium implant. Between August 2018 and May 2021, 5 patients underwent surgery due to sternal metastasis (n = 3), postoperative sternal wound infection (n = 1) and deformity (n = 1). The customized implant was designed and constructed based on the size and shape of the chest wall defect measured on computed tomography. All patients demonstrated uneventful recovery without complications during the hospital course. During the median follow-up of 20 months, 1 patient underwent revision surgery due to implant breakage, and 1 removed the implant due to trauma-related chest wall infection. One patient died from cancer progression, while 3 patients are alive without any implant-related complications. Chest wall reconstruction using a 3D-printed pure-titanium implant could be a novel alternative for patients with various conditions affecting the sternum and ribs.

Keywords: Chest wall reconstruction; Chest wall resection; Prosthesis.

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Figures

Figure 1:
Figure 1:
Preoperative findings, implant simulation, and postoperative chest X-ray of study participants.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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