Elkem recently developed a silicone photopolymer material and utilized digital light processing (DLP), a 3D printing technology, to create a model of the human left auricle. This innovative approach enables preoperative planning, resulting in improved surgical outcomes and enhanced safety.

The combination of silicone photopolymer material and DLP 3D printing technology enables the precise replication of the structure of the human left auricle. It provides doctors with a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the size, angles, areas of stress, and surrounding tissue structures of the human left auricle.

The highly accurate 3D printed models also assist doctors in determining the optimal positions for anchoring various surgical instruments in different anatomical structures of the left auricle.

Additionally, the 3D printed models can be used for preoperative rehearsals, allowing doctors to familiarize themselves with the surgical procedures and reducing the patient's exposure to CT radiation. This technology also helps to shorten the overall surgical time, ultimately improving the success rate and safety of the surgery.