title: Functional Chest Wall Reconstruction With a Biomechanical Three-Dimensionally Printed Implant.
abstract: Chest wall resection and reconstruction for neoplastic diseases has unique oncologic, structural, and functional challenges. In a young and fit patient with a mediastinal mass and extensive anterior chest wall invasion, purely structural solutions were deemed insufficient. We hereby present a novel three-dimensionally printed patient-specific titanium implant of sternum and ribs. This osteointegrable implant was designed with biomechanical capabilities using a unique "Greek wave" folding pattern. Postoperative dynamic computed tomography showed that the implant allowed for controlled flexing during the respiratory cycle. Three-dimensional printing with biocompatible materials could enable a new generation of chest wall implants strongly focused on functional reconstruction.
authors.affiliation: Thoracic Surgery Department, Quirónsalud-Madrid University Hospital, Madrid, Spain. Electronic address: dr.moradiellos@cirugiatoracica.es.
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Moradiellos
authors.affiliation: Thoracic Surgery Department, Quirónsalud-Madrid University Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Amor
authors.affiliation: Thoracic Surgery Department, Quirónsalud-Madrid University Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Mar
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Córdoba
authors.affiliation: Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS, Pascale Foundation, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Gaetano
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rocco
authors.affiliation: Thoracic Surgery Department, Quirónsalud-Madrid University Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Mercedes
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vidal
authors.affiliation: Thoracic Surgery Department, Quirónsalud-Madrid University Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Andrés
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Varela
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D062005:Biopsy, Large-Core Needle; D006801:Humans; D066330:Printing, Three-Dimensional; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D019616:Thoracic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D035441:Thoracic Wall / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed