[Application of multislice computed tomography volume rendering and 3D printing technique of costal cartilage for...

To investigate the value of Multislice computed tomography volume rendering(VR) technique and 3D printing technique in auricular reconstruction.

Six patients were enrolled for auricular reconstruction with costal cartilage,including 5 congenital microtia patients and 1 traumatic auricular defect patient. We harvest the three-dimensional reconstructive data of the contralateral sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth costal cartilage with VR technique.Three-dimensional solid models were 3D printed with nylon material according to the data exported in STL format.Preoperativesimulation was performed on the models, accordingly, we determined the strategies of costal cartilage harvest and framework fabrication, and operations were performed based on the pre-designed plan.

In all 6 patients, the actual costal cartilage harvest and framework fabrication process was consistent with the preoperative design and simulation results, and more scientific than before.The shapes of reconstructed ears were vivid and natural. No complications such as infection,absorption,distortion and chest deformity happened.

Through costal cartilage VR and 3D printing technique, we could make more reasonable preoperative design and simulation. The results can be improved with reduced injury, while avoiding the risks of thoracic deformity.