A patient in Spain suffering from chest wall sarcoma received a 3D printed replacement sternum and ribcage after many of the natural bones were surgically removed. The titanium implant was designed by Anatomics, a Melbourne, Australia firm, specifically for the unique anatomical needs of this particular patient. The company used CT scans of the patient and worked with his surgeons to create a 3D reconstruction of his anatomy and virtually build the implant before printing it in preparation for the surgery.
The procedure was performed at the Salamanca University Hospital on the 54 year-old patient who was discharged less than two weeks later and is reportedly recovering well.
Here’s a short video report about this achievement:
Source: CSIRO…
(hat tip: Gizmodo)