One man is breathing easier thanks to 3D printing technology.
Anatomics, a medical device company in Australia teamed up with CSIRO, a research firm, to design and manufacture a 3D printed titanium sternum and rib cage.
It was specifically made for a Spanish patient suffering from a cancerous tumor growing around his ribs.
He needed that section of his chest replaced--but traditional prosthetics weren't really an option, according to his surgical team.
So, a fully customized 3D printed version was created.
The implant has pieces that fit over the bone, allowing surgeons to screw it into place.
Researchers note this 3D option allows the creation of implants that exactly match a specific patient's anatomy.
One of the companies that helped with the manufacturing says the patient was discharged 12 days after surgery and is recovering well.
