Surgeons Transplanted a Lab-Grown Ear From Patient's Own Cells in Early Clinical Trial

A US medical team said they had reconstructed a human ear using the patient's own tissue to create a 3D bioimplant, which they hope can be used to treat people with a rare birth defect.

The surgery was done to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the implant for people with microtia, in which the external ear is small and not formed properly.

The Microtia-Congenital Ear Deformity Institute in San Antonio, Texas, led the surgery for AuriNovo, which was developed by the company 3D BioTherapeutics.

Bonilla said that he was inspired by what this technology may mean for microtia patients and their families.

Patient before transplant (left) and 30 days after the procedure (right). (Microtia-Congenital Ear Institute and 3DBio Therapeutics)

He said he hoped the implant would one day replace the current treatment for microtia, which involves using synthetic materials to reconstruct outer ears.

The procedure involves 3D scanning the patient's ear to create a template, then collecting a sample of their ear cells and growing them to a sufficient amount.

The outer ear is shaped from these cells and bio-ink. The implant is surrounded by a printed shell that is absorbed into the patient over time.

The natural look and feel of a regular ear can be developed by the implanted ear.

11 patients are expected to be part of the clinical trial in California and Texas.

Bonilla said that the AuriNovo implant requires a less intrusive surgical procedure. It's expected to result in a more flexible ear than a PPE implant.

Microtia occurs in about 1 of every 10,000 babies. There are factors that can increase the risk.

Boys are more likely to be affected than girls, with Hispanics, Asian, Pacific Islanders and Native Americans more affected than non-Hispanic White people.

Children with microtia can lead healthy lives without other conditions, though they may have self-esteem issues.

3D Bio would like to develop implants with more severe forms of microtia.

Other conditions where 3D printed implants could be used include nose defects or injuries, breast reconstruction, damaged meniscus in the knee or rotator cuff tears.

The company says on its website that it's initial indications focus on cartilage in the reconstructive and orthopedic fields.

Agence France- Presse.