Can 3D printers help breast cancer survivors? | Owen Ung | TEDxBrisbane

Whilst silicone implants have been used extensively for cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery for many years, there are well-documented immediate and long-term risks associated with silicone. Pioneering surgeon, Professor Owen Ung presents an alternative new surgical approach that uses new 3D-printing technology to improve treatment for breast cancer survivors and give women more choices.

After more than a decade of collaborative medical and clinical translation research, Professor Ung and his team performed the world-first breast reconstruction surgery using a 3D bio-fabricated scaffold in June of 2022 as part of a Phase 1 human clinical trial. These novel trials are in their early stages, with regulatory approval still to be secured, but early indicators are very positive. Professor Owen Ung is a surgeon, breast cancer researcher and innovator. He has been committed to his profession and the community for more than 30 years of specialist surgical practice, with extensive teaching and research credentials. His research is centred on innovations that improve the treatment pathways for patients affected by breast cancer. His ground-breaking translational study involves the first in human use of 3D printed bioabsorbable breast scaffolds for reconstruction.

Owen is the Director of the MNHHS Comprehensive Breast Cancer Institute, a Professor of Surgery University of Queensland School of Medicine, President of Breast Surgery International (BSI) and Vice President Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and has board appointments to the AMA, RACS, MIGA and Specialist Services Medical Group. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx