Reconstruction of large chest wall defects using three-dimensional custom-made implant technology

It is a challenging issue for thoracic surgeons to repair and reconstruct large defects after chest wall resection without disturbing pulmonary functions. Currently, it is possible to produce nearly the same prosthesis anatomically as the original with the three-dimensional printer technology. Titanium-alloy prostheses produced with the three-dimensional prototyping technology by selective laser sintering technique meet the sensitive needs of reconstruction without impairing the functionality of the tissue. This custom-made titanium prostheses can be used for this purpose safely and effectively as a good alternative.