3D ears manufactured for surgeons to practice ear surgery

Researchers at the University of Washington (UW) have developed a 3D-printing technique that creates a cartilage-like model to help surgeons practice ear surgery. When creating a new ear for patients with missing or underdeveloped ears, surgeons use cartilage taken from the rib, carving an ear shape from it. “It’s a huge advantage over what we’re using today,” said Angelique Berens, otolaryngology resident at UW and lead author of the research paper.