S.Africa medics use 3D printer for middle ear transplant

Medical team performing operation. Group of surgeon at work in operating theatre toned in blue

South African surgeons have successfully performed the world's first transplant of middle-ear bones that uses 3D printed components, a research university said. 

The technique "may be the answer to conductive hearing loss – a middle ear problem caused by congenital birth defects, infection, trauma or metabolic diseases," Pretoria University said in a statement seen March 14.