AUSTRALIANS SUCCESSFULLY 3D PRINT STERNUM AND RIBS FOR PATIENT IMPLANTATION

A woman in New York previously diagnosed with a rare bone cancer received a 3D-printed sternum and rib implant produced by CSIRO and Anatomics.

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) announced that two 3D-printed sternum and rib implants from Australia were successfully transplanted into a 20-year-old New York patient diagnosed with a rare bone cancer.

The sternum and rib implants, made of titanium and polymer, were 3D-printed by CSIRO in collaboration with Melbourne-based medical device company Anatomics.

Patient Penelope Heller had her sternum removed after being diagnosed with a bone tumor in 2014. Once the cancer was successfully treated, Heller’s temporary implants caused her discomfort after surgery.

Last August, she underwent an additional procedure to replace the implants with 3D-printed titanium sternum and ribs combined with Anatomics’ PoreStar technology. CSIRO explained that the material is a porous synthetic polymer (PE) designed to mimic bone structure and support tissue integration.

The government-backed organisation added, “3D printing allows greater customization of implants to match the patient’s anatomy and faster production, making the difference between life and death for patients awaiting surgery.”

CSIRO stated this is the first time the technology has been used in the United States.

CSIRO and Anatomics previously collaborated to produce a 3D-printed sternum and ribs for a 54-year-old Spanish patient with sarcoma in 2015. CSIRO added that when surgeons knew the operation would be challenging due to the chest cavity’s complex shape, 3D-printed implants were the most suitable solution.

Once completed, the implants were sent to Spain and transplanted into the patient. Twelve days post-surgery, the patient was discharged and recovering well, CSIRO said.

This practice began after CSIRO produced a 3D-printed titanium heel implant in 2014 to help an Australian cancer patient avoid leg amputation.

In 2016, a 61-year-old UK man received a 3D-printed sternum made of titanium and polymer after his sternum had to be removed due to a rare infection. CSIRO stated this was the first time a titanium sternum combined with synthetic polymer was used to replace bone, cartilage, and tissue in a patient.

Late last year, Brisbane-based Oventus Medical announced a new 3D-printing facility at CSIRO’s Clayton campus in Victoria to produce its O2Vent device—a titanium airway appliance designed to optimize airflow and reduce the effects of snoring for sleep apnea patients.

Oventus developed the O2Vent nearly three years before opening the 3D-printing facility, and an initial prototype successfully completed clinical trials, 3D-printed at CSIRO Lab22.

Source: zdnet.com

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