Yes! The unexpected has happened. A 20-year-old girl, Alexa, who resides in Mexico becomes the first-ever person to get a 3D printed ear by undergoing a successful ear transplant as per a recent report by the New York Times. Alexa was born with a rare birth defect microtia. Due to this defect, the external part of the ear is small and misshapen will can affect the hearing of the person suffering from microtia. The first clinical trial for the technology was conducted by a regenerative medicine company known as 3DBio Therapeutics for the girl’s treatment. The company used a “groundbreaking” investigational product AuriNovo for creating the 3D bio-printed living tissue ear implant for Alexa. AuriNovo is a combination product that has the ability to reconstruct the outer ear of a person going through microtia.
How did the procedure take place?
Alexa’s cells, chondrocytes, which are in charge of cartilage formation were taken out from the tissue sample and were then made to grow in a proprietary slurry of nutrients. This step multiplied the cells into billions more cells. After this, the cells were injected into a specialized 3D bioprinter using a syringe and turned into an oblong shape that was exactly the same as the patient’s healthy ear. The entire printing process did not even take complete 10 minutes. The ear shape that was printed was then sent in cold storage to Dr Bonilla. He implanted that ear under Alexa’s skin just above her jawline and tightened the skin around the implant. This resulted in the formation of the ear. CEO 3DBio Therapeutics, Dr Daniel Cohen described this ear implant process using 3D printed technology as “a truly historic moment.” He also hopes to see this technology being used in various other sectors of the medical field. Alexa says that she was conscious of how she looked before the era implant took place. She also used to hide her ear by keeping her hair open. But now after the surgery, she is more confident and happier about herself. Moving ahead, the 3DBio Therapeutics along with other doctors involved, will be conducting a trial of the technology before they go and seek FDA approval. Interestingly, AuriNovo has already been granted rare pediatric disease and orphan drug designation which points out towards AuriNovo getting a priority review when it will be ready for approval. So, what are your views on 3D printing technology? Do you think we will be able to see the technology in other sectors of the medical field? Let us know through the comment section below.
