In the past we have seen 3D printing used for medical purposes. This includes 3D printing body parts like bones, for example. In fact recently over in Spain, a 54-year old cancer patient was the first in the world to receive a 3D printed rib cage and sternum that was made from titanium. Not quite Wolverine but we reckon we’re getting there!
Designed by CSIRO in Australia and printed by Lab 22, their 3D printing facility, this is a custom printed rib cage and sternum replacement. Apparently due to the complexity of the rib cage, regular implants can get loose over time hence the need for a custom-made design. Lab 22 managed to design this by using high resolution CT scans and worked together with the man’s surgical team.
The end result is a custom 3D printed sternum and a partial rib cage fashioned out of titanium. The part was then implanted into the man’s chest and were secured using some screws. It seems that everything went according to plan and the surgery was deemed a success. The patient was ultimately discharged from the hospital after 12 days.
No word on how much this entire procedure cost but we reckon that the use of titanium and the custom job probably did not come cheap. We have to wonder if this was covered by the man’s insurance!
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