QCOSTARICA — A historic medical intervention performed for the first time in the country at the Hospital CIMA in San José has transformed the life of a young mother and has put Costa Rica on the map of medical innovation.
This is the first cranial reconstruction procedure using a locally designed and manufactured prosthesis, thus setting a precedent in accessibility, technology and quality in medical care.
The surgery, led by Dr. Francisco Gutiérrez, a specialist in Neurosurgery, not only restored the patient’s quality of life, but also demonstrates that the country can develop technological solutions at the level of international standards, according to the doctor.
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“Until now, these prostheses were imported from countries such as Switzerland or the United States, at significant costs. With local manufacturing, we achieved a personalized solution with the same quality at a more affordable cost. This not only reduces economic barriers, but opens opportunities for more patients,” explained Dr. Francisco Gutiérrez, a doctor at the Hospital CIMA.
A case that inspires hope
The case corresponds to a young patient who suffered a stroke during her pregnancy, which forced her to undergo a decompressive craniotomy, a procedure that consists of removing part of the skull to relieve intracranial pressure.
“The absence of a part of the skull affects not only the appearance, but also vital functions. It can cause a phenomenon called the trephination effect, where atmospheric pressure depresses the brain and affects its irrigation. The prosthesis not only restores the cranial shape, but significantly improves neurological recovery,” said Dr. Gutiérrez.
After surgery, the patient recovered part of her mobility and was able to breastfeed and care for her baby.
The procedure was possible thanks to the collaboration with a national laboratory, which designed an exact prosthesis based on a three-dimensional reconstruction of the patient’s skull. The prosthesis was made of PEEK (polyetheretherketone) material, a biocompatible polymer with significant advantages over traditional methods.
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“The custom design guarantees precision and reduces the risk of infection. In addition, this material is reusable in case of complications, something that was not possible with previous techniques,” said the doctor, who also explained that this advance also eliminates the need to use hand-molded surgical cement, a less precise technique that increased the risk of errors and postoperative complications.
The success of this procedure reaffirms Hospital CIMA as a benchmark in advanced medicine in Costa Rica. With a focus on excellence and innovation, the medical center continues to lead complex and accessible neurosurgical treatments.
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