Reconstruction following major chest wall resection can be challenging. Conventional methods of using mesh are slowly being replaced by chest wall reconstruction prosthetic systems that use titanium plates or bars. However, the successful implantation of these titanium prosthetic systems requires the operator to be familiar with the limitations and potential pitfalls of the process. Emerging intraoperative real-time imaging and 3-dimensional printing technology, as well as development in biomaterials, have been allowing chest wall reconstruction to become increasingly personalized.
Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is a colourless organic thermoplastic polymer in the polyaryletherketone (PAEK) family.
We intend to achieve our goal by accomplishing the following specific aims:
1. Produce a 3-D printed model of the chest wall from CT scan data of patients to build a personalized chest wall prosthesis.
2. Produce a novel chest wall prosthesis using PEEK material based on the 3-D printed personalized model.
2. Assess the ability of PEEK to repair the chest wall full-thickness defect, implanting the innovative custom-made prosthesis in patients with tumors invading the chest wall and measuring by CT scan the adaptability of the biomaterial.
