"After traditional sternotomy, a huge defect in the patient's anterior chest will occur, and the heart loses its protective wall. A hug may damage the heart." Professor Wang Xiaoping said that due to the serious impact of traditional sternotomy on the respiratory function, appearance and safety of patients, after sufficient discussion and communication with patients, the expert group put forward a bold idea and decided to use 3D printing technology to customize a 3D printing titanium alloy sternum for patients for replacement.

According to Professor Wang Xiaoping, after precise calculation of the size and shape of the patient's sternum, the 3D printing team of Tangdu Hospital fully studied and discussed. After a week, a 3D sternum model was designed for the patient. In cooperation with the State Key Laboratory of Coagulation Technology of Northwest Polytechnic University, a 1:1 titanium alloy sternum model was printed for the patient. Subsequently, a series of rigorous medical treatments were carried out on the model.

"The operation lasted 2.5 hours. The patient's sternum was totally resected and replaced with titanium alloy sternum. At present, the patient has recovered well and no complications have been found." According to Professor Wang Xiaoping, the operation is the first in the world to implant a 3-D printed implantable titanium alloy sternum into the human body to achieve the overall replacement of the diseased sternum. The success of the operation means that more patients with sternal tumors will benefit in the future.

"There's no difference between now and before you get sick." When the reporter met Ms. Gu in the ward of Tangdu Hospital, she looked good and talked and laughed. Except for a long scar on the chest, it looks just like a healthy person.

Dr. Wang Jun, a 3D printing team from Tangdu Hospital who participated in the design of the 3D titanium alloy sternum, said the attempt was a perfect combination of 3D printing technology and surgery. The personalized service of 3D printing has a natural connection with medicine. At present, the research of 3D printing technology in medicine is more and more extensive, which provides infinite possibilities for the future development of medicine.