"Structure and Mechanical Performance Biomimetic Costal Cartilage Models for Ear Framework Handcraft Simulation.".

Ear framework handcraft simulation using costal cartilage models is crucially important for ear reconstruction surgery education. Fabricating proper models mechanically and structurally comparable to their native counterparts is an unmet challenge. Herein, the authors developed structure and mechanical performance bio-mimetic costal cartilage models used for practicing and simulating handcraft of ear framework. High-tensile silicone and three-dimensional techniques were utilized to fabricate bio-mimetic models. The models well replicated the three-dimensional structure of human costal cartilage. Proved by comprehensive mechanical tests, high-tensile silicone models had similar stiffness, hardness, and suture retention ability to their native counterparts, which was distinctly superior to commonly used materials for costal cartilage simulation. This kind of model satisfied surgeons and contributed to outstanding ear frameworks. The recreated models were used in ear framework handcrafting workshops. Novices' surgical simulation performance with different models was compared and analyzed. People who used high-tensile silicone models enjoy greater progress and confidence after training. Using high-tensile silicone costal cartilage models is an excellent choice for practicing and simulating the fabrication of ear frameworks manually. They benefit practitioners and students much in practicing handcraft ear frameworks and surgical skill gains.