Printing a New Ear

There are over one million people in the UK with a physical disfigurement that can greatly impact people’s lives. Ear disfigurement is one of those; it impairs a person’s hearing and affects the attitude of others towards them due to negative stereotypes. Scientists at University College London (UCL) are hoping that by using 3D printing technology they will be able to provide new ears for people in need of them.

The project lead Professor Alex Selfalian hopes that the trail will prove successful and that from there the operation will be introduced to the public allowing easier access for everyone in need of a replacement ear.

Using a type of plastic called nano polymer the process begins by creating an image of the patient’s ear (or predicted ear) onto a computer program using a 3D printer to create an accurate replica of the patient's’ ear. Once printed the new ear is then used as a scaffold and implanted in the patients arm beneath the skin for “four to eight” weeks. When the skin has grown completely over the ear and the blood vessels are functioning correctly, the operation to attach the ear to the proper location begins.

In an interview with the BBC Dr Michelle Griffin said the procedure would “revolutionise organ transplants”. To replace or repair damage to an ear, patients usually have to undergo 4 or 5 “invasive” surgeries. However, if this project is successful individuals will receive a brand new ear in just one operation, making it quicker and less painful for the patient to receive the new organ they need.

At the time of writing this, the team at UCL are testing how successfully the ear fuses with the body by testing it on rats. The 3D ears are designed primarily for children with birth defects but the growth in 3D printing technology will open the door for a number of other procedures replacing various body parts for both children and adults.