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International Journal of Bioprinting Progress in bioprinted ear reconstruction

Figure 1. Nagata’s technique (artwork inspired by Dr. Nagata’s original sketches ). Abbreviation: TPF, temporoparietal fascia flap.
[13]
lead to significant morbidity, with potential complications the second stage, the ear projection is refined, thus not
ranging from severe postoperative pain to life-threatening only improving aesthetic results but also limiting potential
conditions such as infections and pneumothorax [4,10] . strain on overlying skin .
[4]
Lengthy operative time is another drawback; at least 1.3. How 3D printing could revolutionize the field
two-staged surgeries are required. For example, in the over the next decade
Nagata technique (see Figure 1), harvested and reshaped One of the main challenges in auricular reconstruction is the
[13]
cartilage is introduced under the skin in the first stage. In lack of suitable donor tissue. Three-dimensional (3D) printing

Volume 9 Issue 6 (2023) 275 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijb.0898