ADVERTISEMENT

The world's first 3D-printed titanium rib cage is amazing

A $1.3 million electron beam Arcam 3D printer was used to produce the prosthetic – which is the first of its kind in the world – before flying it to Spain to be surgically implanted in the patient.

3D imagery showing the titanium rib cage in the patients body

Titanium implants are not unheard of, but replacing large portions of the rib cage is as tricky as they come because they are usually built with different components which may come loose over time and cause further complications.

However, surgeons at the Salamanca University Hospital in Spain were not deterred and decided that a custom-designed titanium prosthetic would better replicate the positions of the patients’ rib cage that had been removed, and would also be a safer option in the long term.

The surgeons used high-resolution 3D CT scans of the patient’s chest to determine what areas needed to be replaced, before turning to Melbourne-based Anatomics to design and build the sternum and rib cage that will replace the removed portions.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Australian company used a $1.3 million electron beam Arcam 3D printer to produce the prosthetic – which is the first of its kind in the world – before flying it to Spain to be surgically implanted in the patient.

The 54-year old male patient received the world’s first 3D-printed chest prosthetic made from lightweight, but incredibly strong titanium, after losing portions of his rib cage and sternum.  He was discharged 12 days later and is officially the closest thing humanity has to Wolverine.

3D printing has come a long way from being used for childrens' toys and other basic things to revolutionising Mm

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh

ADVERTISEMENT