Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 8, 2026
04:05
Surgical Model for Single-Staged Tissue-Engineered Urothelial Tubes in Minipigs
Published on: July 5, 2024
634
Patient and guardian perspectives on tissue engineering in microtia reconstruction
Arya Sherafat1, James Antongiovanni2,3, Chizoba Mosieri2,4
1University of California Riverside, School of Medicine, Riverside, California, United States of America.
Plos One
|December 19, 2025
Summary
Tissue Engineering (TE) is a promising ear reconstruction option for microtia patients, but awareness is low. Patient understanding and doctor communication significantly influence willingness to adopt TE.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Healthcare Innovation
Background:
- Tissue Engineering (TE) offers potential for microtia ear reconstruction.
- Understanding patient and guardian perspectives is crucial for TE adoption.
- Microtia patients and their guardians' views on TE are largely unexamined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess awareness, comprehension, and interest in Tissue Engineering among microtia patients and guardians.
- To identify factors influencing the willingness of patients and guardians to consider TE for ear reconstruction.
Main Methods:
- A survey and educational materials were distributed to microtia patients and guardians.
- Responses were analyzed using Likert scales, two-sample t-testing, and logistic regression.
- Data from 40 surveys were analyzed to identify trends in awareness and interest.
Main Results:
- Over half of respondents expressed interest in TE for reconstruction.
- Higher awareness and doctor-provided information correlated with increased willingness to adopt TE.
- White patients and those with more severe microtia showed greater interest and willingness to travel for TE.
Conclusions:
- Tissue Engineering is not widely understood by microtia patients and their guardians.
- Demographics, cost, and trust in physicians are key factors in TE adoption decisions.
- Patient-centered insights are vital for the clinical implementation of TE-based microtia reconstruction.
