Doctors at Vietnam’s Vinmec Times City International Hospital, in collaboration with engineers from the 3D Technology in Medicine Center at VinUniversity, have successfully performed Southeast Asia’s first chest wall reconstruction using a 3D-printed titanium implant. This surgery involved the removal of an 11.5 cm tumor and the subsequent reconstruction of the patient’s chest using the advanced implant, marking a significant milestone in medical innovation for the region.
Three weeks after surgery, the patient’s recovery exceeded expectations. The implant remains stable, and the patient has reported no issues with daily activities or mobility. She is now able to walk over a mile every day without any discomfort, and her respiratory function has returned to normal. This success highlights the growing importance of 3D technology in modern medicine, offering a new frontier in surgical treatments.
Pioneering Chest Wall Reconstruction with 3D-Printed Titanium
The patient, a 55-year-old woman, had been experiencing persistent chest pain for several weeks, leading to difficulties in her daily routine. After thorough medical examinations, it was discovered that she had a large tumor pressing on her heart, lungs, and other vital organs. Due to the advanced stage of the tumor, chemotherapy and radiation were not viable treatment options, leaving surgery as the only solution. However, beyond the tumor removal, reconstructing the chest wall to protect the heart and lungs post-surgery was a significant challenge.
In traditional surgeries across Vietnam and Southeast Asia, chest wall defects are often treated using muscle and skin from other parts of the body. These methods, while functional, frequently result in large scars and have limited effectiveness in fully protecting vital organs. Artificial materials used in prior reconstructions offered cosmetic solutions but did not provide the strength needed to maintain heart and lung safety from external impacts.
To overcome these limitations, a team of specialists from Vinmec and engineers from VinUniversity designed a custom 3D-printed titanium implant. Unlike previous implants, this titanium design incorporates an integrated mesh that prevents lung hernias, reducing the need for multiple implants and ensuring better protection for the patient’s heart and lungs. This design innovation minimizes the risk of implant displacement and significantly enhances the quality of life post-surgery.
Precision Design and Successful Surgery
The design and simulation process for the 3D-printed titanium implant took several weeks, with the team working meticulously to ensure the implant was both thin and precise. They ran multiple simulations to refine the design, ensuring it would fit perfectly and move seamlessly with the patient’s breathing.
On September 11, 2024, the surgery was performed, and the implant was fitted with pinpoint accuracy. The procedure was completed in under three hours, and the patient’s recovery was swift. She was able to stand and speak the next day and was discharged from the hospital within five days—half the time expected for such surgeries. This fast recovery was made possible by the precision of 3D technology and advanced pain management techniques.
Globally, 3D chest wall reconstructions using titanium alloy implants have been performed in about 50 cases over the past decade, primarily in countries such as the U.S., Europe, South Korea, and China. Vinmec’s successful procedure marks the first case in Southeast Asia and places Vietnam among a select few countries in Asia to use 3D-printed implants for cardiopulmonary protection.
A Milestone in Medical Innovation
This achievement at Vinmec demonstrates the potential of 3D technology in changing healthcare in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. By pioneering the use of 3D-printed titanium implants for complex chest wall reconstructions, Vinmec is setting a new standard for medical treatment in the region. The hospital is already piloting this technology in other specialized treatments, opening the door to further innovations in patient care.
About Vinmec
Vinmec is a leading private healthcare system in Vietnam, known for its commitment to advanced medical technologies and world-class healthcare standards. Accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), Vinmec is part of the Vingroup and offers a range of high-tech medical services, including orthopedic surgery and cardiology, where 3D technology plays a pivotal role.
In partnership with Cleveland Clinic, Vinmec ensures the highest standards in healthcare and is the first hospital system in Asia recognized by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) as a Center of Excellence in cardiology. Additionally, Vinmec is 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: medtour@vinmec.com.
