Maggiore Hospital performs successful 3D-printed aorta transplant

Surgeons at the Maggiore Hospital in Parma have successfully performed a complex two-phase transplant using a custom 3D-printed prosthesis to replace a patient's aorta. The 76-year-old patient suffered from irreversible damage caused by aortic dissection and dilation, a condition identified as ‘mega-aortic syndrome’.

The bespoke prosthesis was designed using detailed anatomical data extracted from CT scans to ensure precise blood flow to major organs. The development process involved international collaboration: the design was simulated in London, while the physical production was split between specialized facilities in Germany and Australia.

The surgical procedure was conducted in two stages, beginning with a complex cardiothoracic operation to replace the aortic valve, the ascending aorta, and the aortic arch. Recent follow-up examinations have confirmed the full success of the treatment and a positive health outlook for the patient.