In a groundbreaking medical achievement, surgeons at Beilinson Hospital have successfully performed Israel’s first chest reconstruction using a custom 3D-printed implant, helping save the life of a young woman from northern Israel.
The woman, in her 20s, sought medical attention after experiencing persistent chest pain. Although initial blood tests were normal, a CT scan revealed a rare tumour destroying her sternum (breastbone).
Following further investigation, doctors decided the tumour had to be removed completely. The diagnosis later confirmed an extremely rare type of tumour, with only around 20 cases ever reported worldwide.
A Medical First for Israel
Removing the sternum presents a major surgical challenge, as it protects the heart and lungs and provides stability for the chest during breathing.
Instead of using traditional titanium plates or surgical mesh, the medical team created a custom-made chest implant using advanced 3D-printing technology.
The implant was manufactured from PEKK, a high-strength polymer reinforced with carbon fibres. The material is widely used in the aerospace industry because it is both lightweight and exceptionally durable. It also closely mimics the flexibility of natural bone and allows the body’s tissues to gradually integrate with the implant.
The surgery lasted approximately two hours, during which surgeons removed the diseased bone and replaced it with the patient-specific implant. Thanks to a carefully planned surgical approach, the procedure was performed through a discreet incision beneath the breasts, minimising visible scarring.
Following several days of recovery in hospital, the patient was discharged home.
Why it matters
This pioneering procedure represents a major step forward for Israeli medicine and demonstrates how 3D-printing technology is transforming complex surgery. Innovations like this have the potential to improve outcomes for patients with rare cancers and severe injuries while reducing recovery times and improving quality of life.
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