Researched identify new ears carving method using 3D printing
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Researchers from the University of Washington (UW) have come forward with an evolved method to help trainee surgeons carve new ears from a paediatric rib cartilage like material by using 3D-printed moulds.
The new technique can help to treat children with a missing or under-developed ear, experienced surgeons harvest pieces of rib cartilage from the child and carve them into the framework of a new ear.
They take only as much of that precious cartilage as they need. That leaves medical residents without an authentic material to practice on. Some use pig or adult cadaver ribs, but children's ribs are of a different size and consistency.
The innovation could open the door for aspiring surgeons to become proficient in the sought-after but challenging procedure called auricular reconstruction.
"It's a huge advantage over what we are using today," said lead author Angelique Berens, a UW School of Medicine head and neck surgery resident.
The new technique can help to treat children with a missing or under-developed ear, experienced surgeons harvest pieces of rib cartilage from the child and carve them into the framework of a new ear.
They take only as much of that precious cartilage as they need. That leaves medical residents without an authentic material to practice on. Some use pig or adult cadaver ribs, but children's ribs are of a different size and consistency.
The innovation could open the door for aspiring surgeons to become proficient in the sought-after but challenging procedure called auricular reconstruction.
"It's a huge advantage over what we are using today," said lead author Angelique Berens, a UW School of Medicine head and neck surgery resident.
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