In this study, we assessed the outcomes after surgical treatment of thoracic post-excision defects in 15 patients, using TiNi knitted surgical meshes and customized artificial TiNi-based ribs.
Methods: Eight patients were diagnosed with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) invading the chest wall, of which five patients were T3N0M0, two were T3N1M0, and one was T3N2M0. Squamous cell carcinoma was identified in three of these patients and adenocarcinoma in five. In two cases, chest wall resection and repair were performed for metastases of kidney cancer after radical nephrectomy. Three-dimensional CT reconstruction and X-ray scans were used to plan the surgery and customize the reinforcing TiNi-based implants. All patients received TiNi-based devices and were prospectively followed for a few years.
Results: So far, there have been no lethal outcomes, and all implanted devices were consistent in follow-up examinations. Immediate complications were noted in three cases (ejection of air through the pleural drains, paroxysm of atrial fibrillation, and pleuritis), which were conservatively managed. In the long term, no complications, aftereffects, or instability of the thoracic cage were observed.
Conclusion: TiNi-based devices used for extensive thoracic lesion repair in this context are promising and reliable biomaterials that demonstrate good functional, clinical, and cosmetic outcomes.
Keywords: TiNi artificial rib; TiNi mesh implant; chest wall reconstruction; non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); thoracic lesion.