Through Additive Manufacturing (AM), the CRPM at CUT - leaders in medical development - manufactured prosthetic implants as well as the external prosthesis to complete the Tylor’s facial features. It was an impressive collaborative effort between a team from the Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (CRPM), at CUT in Bloemfontein and specialists from Groote Schuur Hospital who worked together to undertake a ground-breaking operation on a young boy from Cape Town. Tylor Baker, who wishes to become a professional, was born without ears – a condition which impeded his hearing ability and communication skills. The team from CRPM played a vital role in the reconstructive surgery through the use of Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology, also known as 3D printing. They printed a model of his skull and ears so that the team of doctors could carry out pre-operative planning and simulate the operation. 

 About one in 10 000 people are born with this condition known as microtia, a congenital deformity where the pinna (external ear) is underdeveloped. Born without ear canals, Tylor had a 60% hearing ability, which made it difficult for him to communicate. The boy was the first at Groote Schuur Hospital patient to undergo such procedure. CRPM made it possible by designing, manufacturing and accurately placing the prosthetic implants and external prosthesis to complete the boy’s facial features, while the Groote Schuur ear, nose and throat surgeon Estie Meyer and her team of audiologists, nurses, and doctors performed the procedure. The prosthetic ears and surgery were sponsored by Fuchs Foundation at the cost of R62 000. The innovative surgery took Tylor from a world where he was only one of about 10 000 people in the world born with this condition to one where he could finally hear audibly for the first time.  So, history was made at Groote Schuur when the team of specialists gave Tylor new ears and so far his progress has been excellent. 

 

It took Prof. Cules van den Heever, CUT Extraordinary Professor in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, two days to manufacture the two silicone prostheses from our 3D printed moulds, and half an hour to attach the new ears for Tylor. It is evident that CUT’s five-year research chair status in medical product development through 3D technology is not a mistake as the university continues to change the lives of ordinary citizens. To date, the Centre’s groundbreaking work in the design, development, and manufacturing of medical devices using 3D printing, and has assisted over 30 patients around the country. In addition, the university recently celebrated the certification of ISO 13485, which is accreditation for manufacturing of titanium implants using additive manufacturing; making CUT the first university in Africa and one of a few in the world to receive this international certification. The ISO 13485 certification is for 3D printing and medical devices and it means that CPRM is certified worldwide. 

Images 

1: Tylor being fitted for placement of his prosthetics. 

2: The team of experts who joined hands to change Tylor’s (middle of the group) life. From left: Hein Els, and Chrisna-marie Theron, Fuchs Foundation; parents Nehemia and Deidre Doolabh, Tylor Baker;  Ms Annetjie de Beer, assistant to Prof. Cules van den Heever (second from right); and Mr Gerrie Booysen, Director: CRPM. 

3: Prof. van den Heever doing his post-operation check to ensure all is well.