American researchers have been using 3d-printing a human ear is simulated. The kunstoor is built around a basic shape with a 3d-printer made. Then, living cells in the shell are sprayed.
Bio-physicians from Cornell university have developed their method to the ears to produce with the aim to provide patients with a better prosthesis. Currently, kunstoren often of a plastic or of a piece of his own rib. Especially for young patients is that last option is painful, and in both cases, the new ears are not functioning properly and there unnatural look. With the new 3d printing method, however, would cups can be made that is both natural in appearance as well function.
The artificial ears are modeled on the basis of a 3d image of the intact ear of the patient. With the help of a 3d printer, a mold is printed as the basis for the kunstoor. In that mould, then collagen, and millions of cartilage cells are injected. The design and printing of the jig takes about a day and a half. The injection takes a half hour, after which the chondrocytes several days given the time to grow for the whole implanted.
Because the artificial pinna is carefully modeled and with the printed mold is designed, the end result is natural and works the ear of the patient better than with other methods. Of course, the inner ear of the patient still functioning. The Cornell-ears would within three years in patients implanted can be, according to researchers.