Vinmec Times City International Hospital achieved a major milestone in Southeast Asia on September 11th, 2024, with the regions first chest wall reconstruction using a 3D printed titanium implant.Addressing an 11.5 cm defect in the chest wall of a 55-year-old woman following the removal of a malignant mediastinal tumor, the procedure restored crucial heart and lung functions while improving the patients quality of life. The tumor had extensively invaded her left chest wall, affecting ribs 2, 3, and 4, the upper lobe of the left lung, and part of the sternum. Severe compression on the heart, lungs, and surrounding organs necessitated wide excision surgery, which involved the removal of the sternum and nearby ribs, the only viable treatment for the late-stage tumor.Developed in collaboration with VinUniversitys 3D Technology Center in Medicine, his landmark surgery offers a new solution to large chest wall defects that were previously a significant challenge in Vietnam.Reflecting on the achievement, Prof. Trung Dung Tran, Director of Vinmec Healthcare Systems Orthopedics and Musculoskeletal Disorders according to a report, emphasized the extensive collaboration involved in developing this implant.He described the project as one of the most challenging Vinmec has undertaken, with VinUniversitys 3D Technology Center contributing critical expertise to the design and production. Tran noted that the result, a fully Vietnamese-developed and manufactured implant, represents one of the most complete designs to date.Vinmecs 3D printed titanium chest implant. Photo via IBT UK.How was the surgery performed?For this surgery, the team at Vinmec integrated an advanced 3D printed titanium implant with a unique mesh that prevents lung hernia while providing vital protection for the heart and lungs.By combining both functions within a single component, the design minimizes the need for multiple implants, reducing risks of post-surgical complications and implant displacement. Created with a Nikon SLM Solutions SLM 280 metal printing system, VinUniversity, and Vinmecs design specialists refined the implant over several weeks, ensuring it precisely matched the patients anatomy.With the surgery lasting less than three hours, cardiothoracic and sarcoma specialists worked alongside the anesthesiology team to fit the implant securely, achieving stable respiratory function after the operation.Remarkably, the patient could stand and communicate within a day and was discharged within five days, an impressive recovery facilitated by advanced 3D printing and targeted pain management techniques. After three weeks, a routine check-up confirmed that the implant remained stable, with the patients respiratory function fully restored. Currently, she is able to walk a mile daily without difficulty.Vinmecs success is the latest in the long list of advanced surgical innovations, marking an important step forward for the region. Looking ahead, the institution aims to explore additional applications of 3D printing, including maxillofacial reconstruction, soft tissue regeneration, and vascular stent placements.Vietnams Vinmec hospital successfully reconstructed the patients chest using a 3D printed titanium implant. Photo via IBT UK.Breakthrough chest wall surgeriesChest wall reconstructions using 3D printed implants have seen growing success globally, with notable cases demonstrating their life-saving potential.One notable example includes Manipal Hospitals in India successfully performing a life-saving surgery on a 50-year-old Bangladeshi cancer patient using a custom 3D printed titanium implant to reconstruct his sternum and ribs.This complex procedure removed a large tumor that had destroyed critical bone structures, enabling the patient to breathe independently, without lifelong medical ventilation. Designed through precise CT imaging and printed with advanced honeycomb technology, the lightweight implant ensured reduced implant rejection and faster recoveryBack in 2018, a 3D printed titanium rib implant saved the life of 71-year-old Peter Maggs, a cancer patient at Morriston Hospital in Wales. Due to the extensive tumor affecting his chest wall, surgeons removed part of Mr. Maggs breastbone and three ribs, which risked destabilizing his chest.Morristons biomedical technician Heather Goodrum and maxillofacial manager Peter Llewelyn Evans designed the implant using CT scan data, which was 3D printed by Renishaw for a precise fit. Following surgery, Mr. Maggs recovered well, and his successful outcome was said to be a model for future cases, advancing 3D printed medical implants.Want to share insights on key industry trends and the future of 3D printing? Register now to be included in the2025 3D Printing Industry Executive Survey.What 3D printing trends do the industry leaders anticipate this year?What does the Future of 3D printing hold for the next 10 years?To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.While youre here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.Featured image shows Vietnams Vinmec hospital successfully reconstructed the patients chest using a 3D printed titanium implant. Photo via IBT UK.