A 3D printed patient specific artificial outer ear model for use in auricle reconstruction surgery: a clinical feasibility study

Auricle reconstruction is a routine surgery in the field of Otolaryngology but the design of the reconstruction is based on the clinicians guess of the correct previous anatomy. Using additive manufacturing processes to build a model the surgeon can refer to may be a good substitute for conventional surgery. The quality of the framework replicating the three-dimensional architecture of the ear and precise sculpting of the anatomical structures are necessary in order to reach a desired outcome. In this work we present the workflow to produce an individualized 3D outer ear model for use in auricle reconstruction surgery and report on the clinical application of this model in a particular patient reconstruction surgery.