3D Printed Silcone Models for Child Ear Implants

[Brian_Krassenstein]

Thanks to researchers at University of Washington, children may have better access to reconstruction of the cartilage within their ears when required due to a variety of conditions which can be both debilitating and cause extreme self-consciousness. With 3D printed silicone models designed from patient specific CT scans, surgeons and students are able to practice carving the reconstructed parts (which in the true procedure are taken from ribs which are carved into smaller parts for integration into the ear) much more efficiently. This could lead to much better access to the surgeries for children in need as there will be more doctors available to perform procedures. Read more at 3DPrint.com: http://3dprint.com/98550/3d-printed-ear-reconstruction/

[RedSox2013]

Pretty awesome. Now they just have to replace the silicone with actual human tissues, i.e., Organovo!