South African Doctor Cures Deafness With First-Ever Middle Ear Transplant Utilizing 3D Printing

May 24, 2019 by apost team

A groundbreaking surgery has restored hearing to a man who had lost it in a devastating car accident. The procedure uses the latest technology to create a miracle.

The South African government has announced the details on this amazing event, which took place at the University of Pretoria (UP) Faculty of Health at the Steve Biko Academic hospital in Pretoria, South Africa. The operation was led by Professor Mashudu Tshifularo and his team of doctors.

The procedure harnessed the power of 3D technology to transplant a patient’s middle ear. The surgery is being heralded as the first of its kind in the world.

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The Citizen reported that the 35-year-old patient was in surgery for approximately 90 minutes. The surgery delivers immediate hearing restoration. However, because the patient's ear is covered in bandages for a few weeks following surgery, it will take a bit for the difference to be noticed.

The surgery used an endoscope to perform the transplant. This minimally invasive procedure also reduces the chance of scarring.

Professor Tshifularo has been working on restoring hearing loss for over a decade. As a pioneer in this field, Tshifularo used the 3D technology to be able to recreate inner ear bones in order to restore hearing.

As the head of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Tshifularo is also known for being the first black ENT specialist in the country of South Africa. His achievements are detailed on his university's website.

The professor is committed to making this procedure affordable and accessible to those that need it. The South African Department of Health's Minister Motsoaledi supports Professor Tshifularo and also calls upon businesses to sponsor the costly 3D technology in the South African government's press release.

Now you can meet Professor Tshifularo through this video and hear all about his amazing accomplishment in the field of hearing loss:

What do you think about this new technology? Do you have any suggestions on what it could be used for next? After you have watched this incredible message, think about who in your life might benefit from this inspiring story and show it to them!