Israeli Surgeons Reconstruct Entire Chest with Custom 3D-Printed Implant
- Caroline Haïat
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
A surgical team at Clalit-Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva has achieved a medical first in Israel by reconstructing a young woman's entire chest using a patient-specific 3D-printed implant. The groundbreaking procedure became necessary after doctors discovered an exceptionally rare tumor that had destroyed her sternum.
The patient, a woman in her twenties from northern Israel, had been suffering from persistent chest pain for several months. Initially occurring only during physical activity, the pain gradually became constant. Although blood tests were normal and no external abnormalities were visible, physicians continued investigating the source of her symptoms.
A CT scan eventually revealed an aggressive tumor that was progressively destroying her sternum. An initial biopsy suggested the growth was a benign cartilaginous tumor. However, after she was referred to Beilinson Hospital, the multidisciplinary sarcoma team recommended complete surgical removal.
Pathological analysis following the operation identified the tumor as a BRAF-altered mesenchymal neoplasm, an exceptionally rare form of sarcoma. According to the medical literature, only around 20 cases have been reported worldwide.
One of the Most Complex Procedures in Thoracic Surgery
Removing the sternum presents one of the greatest challenges in thoracic surgery. The breastbone forms the central support of the rib cage, protecting the heart and lungs while providing the structural stability essential for breathing.
"The sternum is the anchor of the entire chest wall. If reconstruction is not performed perfectly, both respiratory mechanics and the protection of the heart and lungs can be compromised. Every breath, cough, and movement places significant stress on this area," explained Dr. Yury Peysakhovich, Head of Thoracic Surgery at Clalit-Beilinson Hospital.
The implant was manufactured from PEKK (polyether ketone ketone), a high-performance carbon fiber-reinforced polymer widely used in the aerospace industry because of its exceptional strength and durability.
According to Dr. Israel Weiss, Head of Orthopedic Oncology at Beilinson Hospital, PEKK offers a unique combination of strength and flexibility, closely mimicking the mechanical properties of natural bone. The material also promotes gradual integration with surrounding tissues, supporting a smoother recovery.
A Promising Recovery
The surgery lasted approximately two hours and was performed through a discreet incision beneath the breast, minimizing visible scarring while improving the cosmetic outcome. After only a few days in hospital, the young woman was discharged and is now continuing her recovery at home.
"Rare cases require creative solutions. Combining state-of-the-art 3D-printing technology with close collaboration between multiple surgical specialties allowed us to offer this patient a solution that simply did not exist a few years ago," said Dr. Peysakhovich.
The procedure highlights the rapid advances being made in 3D-assisted reconstructive surgery and opens new possibilities for treating patients with complex bone tumors requiring highly personalized anatomical reconstruction.
Caroline Haïat