Customized Cutting Template to Assist Sternotomy in Pectus Arcuatum

Area of Science:

• Thoracic surgery
• Medical device technology
• Computer-aided design

Background:

• Pectus arcuatum is an anterior chest wall deformity.
• Transverse wedge sternotomy is a required surgical procedure for correction.
• Accurate cutting angles are critical for successful surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the early clinical experience with a novel cutting template technology.
• To assess the ability of the technology to deliver optimal cutting angles for sternotomy.
• To determine the safety and efficacy of the cutting template in pectus arcuatum correction.

Main Methods:

• Optimal cutting angles were determined using computer-aided design from patient CT scans.
• A custom cutting template was created using additive manufacturing.
• The template featured angled slots and a safety block to protect the posterior periosteum.

Main Results:

• The cutting template enabled precise wedge sternotomies, safely preserving the posterior periosteum in all patients.
• No complications were reported during the early clinical experience.
• Postoperative assessments showed optimal sternal realignment and cosmetic results.
• Mean operative time was 110 minutes, with a mean hospital stay of 4 days.

Conclusions:

• Computer-aided design-devised cutting templates can simplify transverse wedge sternotomy.
• This technology may enhance surgical safety, reduce operative times, and shorten hospital stays.
• Further investigation into long-term patient outcomes is warranted.