For the first time in the world, transplanting a human ear printed from real human cells
A US medical team has succeeded in a first-of-its-kind transplant of a human ear created from the cells of a treated patient, using a 3D printer.
The operation was conducted as part of a clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this implant for people with small ears, whose outer ear did not develop properly.
The implant bears the name Orinovo and was invented by 3D Bio Therapeutics, while the operation was carried out by Arturo Bonya, founder of an institute specializing in the treatment of this deformity in San Antonio, Texas, USA.
"As a doctor who has treated thousands of children with small ears across the country and around the world, I am excited about this technology and what it can mean for patients and their families," the surgeon who led the experiment told AFP.
The operation is performed by creating a three-dimensional impression of the patient's other fully developing ear and then collecting the cartilage cells of his ear.
These cartilages are then cultured to obtain a sufficient amount of it, and then mixed with collagen hydrogel, which is used to print the implant. The implant is surrounded by a biodegradable printed shell to support it, and the patient’s body absorbs it over time. Over time, the implanted ear is supposed to provide a natural ear shape, feel and flexibility.
The total number of patients expected to be included in the clinical trial is 11 in California and Texas.
Dr. Bonya hopes that one day the implant will replace current treatments that create a prosthesis by removing cartilage from a rib, or a material called porous polyethylene.
According to 3D Bio Therapeutics, micro-ear affects about 1,500 children annually in the United States alone.
These children can live normally unless they have other health problems, but some of them may be negatively affected by the perception of this deformity by others.
Factors that may increase the risk of developing pinna malformation include the mother's diabetes or a diet that does not contain enough carbohydrates and folic acid.
According to "Sky News Arabia".
The company aspires to invent in the future implants for more severe forms of small ear, knowing that the three-dimensional implants can be used in other cases that affect the cartilage, including defects or injuries in the nose, breast reconstruction, or damage to the meniscus in the knee.
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