3D printed implants have become an important treatment by enriching its application areas. We have witnessed many 3D printed organs but now 3D printed bones can be applicated to patients successfully.
3D is developing on industrial and personal use but its success on medical is leading the way. Providing an advantageous and proper solution to many amputees and patients with a damaged part, 3D technology became UK’s main topic with a medical application. 3D printed rib and sternum were implanted to a 60-year old patient.
Cardiothoracic surgeon Ehab Bishay offered Evans the chance to get a 3D printed titanium implant after reading of a similar case, the first of its kind, at University Hospital Salamanca in Spain. The party responsible for the 3D printed implant given to the patient in Spain was Anatomics, an Australian medical device company, and Bishay sought them out to see if they could repeat the trick.
(right) Edward Evans
Using CT scans of Evans’ chest, Anatomics was able to create a precisely fitting 3D printed titanium implant that was eventually fabricated on an SLM 3D printer. Since the 3D printed device was successfully implanted in a four-four operation last September, Evans has enjoyed significant improvement in chest wall movement and lung function. He recovered on a specialist thoracic ward, assisted by a team of nurses and dedicated physiotherapists. The surgery itself was carried out by a multi-disciplinary team that included plastic surgeon Haitham Khalil, a number of thoracic anesthetists, and specialist theatre nurses.
The healthy state of Evans, who made a full recovery after five months, has inspired the medical team involved to continue using 3D printing where appropriate. “Although cement is tried and tested we believe that custom-built 3D printed titanium implants may have certain advantages which we are looking to show,” Bishay said. “Titanium is more resistant to infection, lightweight, tough, and since it exactly replicates the defect, it means that the operative time is reduced as it slots in. It should also offer a better cosmetic result.”