Redefining the Boundaries of Thoracic Surgery
TRIC is a dedicated centre of excellence for chest wall surgical reconstruction, trauma care, research, and medical device development — where surgical precision meets genuine innovation.
Netcare Kuilsriver Hospital, Cape Town
What We Do
Four Pillars of Excellence
Surgical Reconstruction
Advanced chest wall reconstruction using custom implants, prosthetics, and cutting-edge fixation systems.
Trauma Care
Specialist management of complex thoracic trauma, rib fractures, and flail chest injuries.
Research
Active clinical and translational research programmes advancing the science of thoracic reconstruction.
Device Development
In-house medical device innovation — from concept and prototyping through to regulatory approval and clinical deployment.
Our Vision
TRIC Cape Town exists to provide world-class thoracic surgical care to patients across Southern Africa. We combine clinical excellence with a commitment to research, education, and innovation — ensuring that patients with complex chest wall pathology receive the highest standard of care, regardless of where they are referred from.
As South Africa's first dedicated Thoracic Reconstruction & Innovation Centre, we set the benchmark for specialist thoracic surgery in the region. Our programme integrates cutting-edge implant technology, evidence-based surgical technique, and a multidisciplinary approach to deliver outcomes that match the best centres globally.
Clinical Excellence
Every patient receives care benchmarked against international best practice, delivered by specialists with dedicated expertise in thoracic surgery.
Innovation
We actively develop and refine surgical techniques and implant solutions, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in thoracic reconstruction.
Research & Education
Our programme contributes to the global evidence base through multicentre research and trains the next generation of thoracic surgeons in Southern Africa.
Multidisciplinary Care
Complex thoracic pathology demands a team approach. We integrate surgery, critical care, anaesthesia, and rehabilitation into a seamless patient journey.
Our Multidisciplinary Team
TRIC Cape Town brings together specialist surgeons, intensivists, anaesthetists, physiotherapists, and nursing staff — each expert in their field, united by a shared commitment to exceptional thoracic care.
Core Team
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Dr Riaan Nel
Lead Surgeon — Thoracic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Specialist thoracic and reconstructive surgeon with expertise in surgical rib fixation, chest wall reconstruction, and implant-based thoracic surgery. Founder of TRIC Cape Town and South Africa's leading authority on chest wall trauma management.
MBChB (Pret), FC Cardio(SA), MMed Thor Surg (Stell)
Visit Dr Nel's practice websiteCardiothoracic Surgery
Dr Dave Harris
Consultant
Offering knowledge and support as needed.
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Prof Jacques Janson
Consultant
Head of Stellenbosch University & Tygerberg Cardiothoracic Unit — providing technical, academic, and training support when required.
Anaesthesia & Pain Management
Dr Rikus Blomerus
Specialized Cardiothoracic Anaesthetist and Pain Specialist
Providing specialized cardiothoracic anaesthesia and dedicated pain management for all TRIC procedures.
Physiotherapy
NHH Physiotherapists
A well-established in-hospital physiotherapy team at Netcare Kuilsriver Hospital, with vast experience across ICU, high care, and complex surgical wards. Special interest in cardiorespiratory, acute trauma, cardiothoracic, and sports-related rehabilitation.
Cardiothoracic ICU & Surgical Ward
A dedicated cardiothoracic ICU staffed by highly trained cardiorespiratory sisters and support staff, paired with a specialized cardiothoracic-orientated surgical ward. This integrated ICU and ward model ensures a continuum of care, reducing complications and improving long-term outcomes.
Additional Specialist Partners
Orthopaedic Surgery
Dr Viseslav Boskovic
Neurosurgery / Spinal Injuries
Dr Iain Walker / The Spine Centre (Dr Shaun Venter)
General Surgery
Dr Niel Roux
Oncology
Mountain View Oncology (Dr Mari Engelbrecht)
Pulmonology
Dr Dante Plekker
Infectious Diseases
Dr Emille Reid
Dietetics
Andrea Jacobs
Research Innovation
A Breakthrough in Sternal Reconstruction
A complex chest wall reconstruction in a 16-year-old cancer patient sparked an innovation that could transform care for thousands of patients worldwide. Faced with the lack of an affordable and durable sternal implant, Dr Riaan Nel and Prof Jacques Janson developed a novel titanium sternal implant that is now patented through Stellenbosch University.
The implant is a 3D-printed titanium alloy prosthesis designed to replace portions of the sternum removed during cancer surgery. Unlike existing solutions, it offers an affordable, durable, and readily available option while maintaining both structural stability and cosmetic outcomes. It is now poised for commercialisation.
Patented through Stellenbosch University via the Innovus Technology Transfer Office
Currently, no affordable, durable, off-the-shelf implant exists for this purpose. The cost-effective innovation surpasses other available innovations, which have significant limitations, particularly in younger patients, where achieving both structural integrity and a good cosmetic result is vital.
— Dr Riaan Nel
Co-developer
Prof Jacques Janson
Head of Clinical Division, Cardiothoracic Surgery — Tygerberg Academic Hospital & Stellenbosch University
Netcare Kuilsriver Hospital
TRIC Cape Town is based at Netcare Kuilsriver Hospital in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town — a fully equipped, modern private hospital with dedicated ICU, high-care, and theatre facilities to support complex thoracic surgical cases.
The hospital's infrastructure, combined with our specialist team, enables us to manage the full spectrum of thoracic pathology — from emergency rib fixation following polytrauma to elective chest wall reconstruction and oncological resection.
Affiliated Centre — CWIS International
CWIS International Partnership
TRIC Cape Town is an affiliated centre of the Chest Wall Injury Society (CWIS) — the leading international body for chest wall trauma and reconstruction. This partnership connects our programme to a global network of specialist surgeons, multicentre research initiatives, and the latest evidence in thoracic surgical practice.
Refer a Patient
TRIC Cape Town accepts referrals from surgeons, oncologists, trauma specialists, and clinicians managing complex chest wall pathology. We welcome both urgent trauma referrals and elective reconstruction cases.
For urgent trauma referrals, please call the hospital directly.
Location
Kuilsriver Hospital, Kuilsriver, Cape Town, Western Cape