Chinese doctors successfully reconstruct 78-year-old's chest with 3D printed thoracic cage

The TangDu Hospital in Xi’an, China is no stranger to 3D printing technology, as they have successfully performed several surgeries involving 3D printed implants. Not only have they incorporated 3D printing technology into their medical treatments and operations, but the hospital is also responsible for implanting a woman with the world’s first 3D printed titanium sternum earlier this year. Just last month as well, the TangDu Hospital performed the first ever pectus excavatum correction surgery involving a 3D printed titanium plate. The medical breakthroughs that the hospital have made with the help of additive manufacturing have not slowed, however, as doctors at TangDu Hospital have recently reconstructed the chest of a 78 year old woman using a 3D printed nickel-titanium alloy sternum and rib supports.