VIETNAM’S VINMEC HOSPITAL PIONEERS SOUTHEAST ASIA'S FIRST 3D-PRINTED TITANIUM CHEST WALL RECONSTRUCTION
Doctors at Vietnam’s Vinmec Times City International Hospital, along with engineers from the 3D Technology in Medicine Center at VinUniversity, have safely and successfully performed a groundbreaking surgery to remove an 11.5cm tumor and reconstruct the patient’s chest using a 3D-printed titanium implant.
After only three weeks following surgery, the patient has exceeded expectations in recovery with the implant confirmed to be in place and the patient having no issues in daily activities or movement. Remarkably, the patient can now walk over 1 mile each day without difficulty, and respiratory function is fully normal. This swift recovery showcases the advanced and effective role of 3D technology in modern medicine.
This pioneering operation makes Vinmec the first hospital in Southeast Asia to apply 3D-printed titanium technology for chest wall reconstruction, opening new frontiers for safe and effective cardiac treatment.
A Vietnamese female patient, aged 55, experienced persistent and severe chest pain for several weeks, making daily activities difficult. Imaging revealed a large 11.5cm mediastinal tumor invading the left chest wall and part of the sternum, severely compressing the heart, lungs, and surrounding organs.
The tumor was at an advanced stage, making chemotherapy and radiation impossible, leaving surgical resection as the only viable solution. In addition to removing the tumor, the case posed a significant challenge in reconstructing the chest wall to protect heart and lung function post-surgery. Without proper reconstruction, there would be a high risk of respiratory failure and internal organ trauma.
Vietnam’s Vinmec hospital successfully removed an 11.5cm tumor and reconstructed the patient’s chest using a 3D-printed titanium implant
Traditionally in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, large chest wall defects after cancer surgeries are covered with oblique myocutaneous flaps, meaning skin and muscle are moved from one body part to repair another, often leaving large scars and psychological trauma. Previous techniques using artificial materials only provided cosmetic coverage, without fully protecting the heart and lungs or preventing external impacts, making traditional surgical methods sub-optimal.
Since the chest moves constantly with breathing, it is extremely challenging to restore anatomical structure after large anterior chest wall defects. While some studies have proposed 3D-designed implants, they often had limitations such as complexity and difficulty in surgical handling, leading to prolonged procedures and increased risk of complications.
To address these issues, a design team consisting of cardiothoracic specialists and orthopedic surgeons from Vinmec, and engineers from VinUniversity's 3D Technology in Medicine Center spent weeks meticulously refining the design, overcoming previous limitations, and running multiple simulation scenarios to achieve the highest precision, ensuring the implant's thinness and accuracy met the highest standards.
The 3D-printed titanium implant not only boasts innovative design but also integrates a mesh to prevent lung hernia, surpassing previous surgeries globally which required multiple separate implants for lung and heart protection. This groundbreaking innovation minimizes the risk of implant displacement after surgery, considerably improving the quality of patients’ lives and reducing the need for follow-up procedures.
On September 11, 2024, the surgery to reconstruct nearly the entire left chest wall was completed successfully in just under three hours. During surgery, the chest wall implant was carefully tested and found to fit with pinpoint accuracy, allowing the patient to breathe normally. Remarkably, the patient stood and spoke the next day and was discharged within five days, with recovery time halved due to the precision of 3D technology and advanced ESP pain management.
During surgery, the chest wall implant was carefully tested and found to fit with pinpoint accuracy
International medical literature reveals that in the past decade, about 50 cases of 3D chest wall reconstruction using titanium alloy materials have been performed in the U.S., Europe, South Korea, and China. Notably, Vinmec has cared for the first case in Southeast Asia, making Vietnam only the fourth country in Asia to utilize entirely 3D-printed bone implants and a hernia mesh for cardiopulmonary protection, with no other materials blended.
This innovative use of 3D technology marks a significant medical breakthrough in Vietnam and Vinmec is currently piloting this technology in other select treatments, paving the way for further advancements in patient care.
About Vinmec:
Vinmec is Vietnam's leading private healthcare system, accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) – a prestigious global standard for healthcare quality – and a member of Vingroup. Vinmec stands out for its comprehensive healthcare services, particularly pioneering in high-tech orthopedic surgery and cardiology with 3D technology applications. The hospital also offers advanced services such as regular health check-ups, stem cell treatments, and others.
As a part of Cleveland Clinic's partner network Cleveland Clinic, Vinmec ensures world-class healthcare standards. It is the first healthcare system in Asia to be recognized by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) as a Center of Excellence in cardiology, and the only sports medicine Center of Excellence in Vietnam certified by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
For more information about medical tourism at Vinmec, please contact: [email protected].
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