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Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Ear Framework Creation for Microtia Reconstruction

Tuesday, October 3, 2023
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM East Coast USA Time
Location: Legands ABC

    Lead Instructor(s)

  • YL

    Yi-Chun Carol Liu, MD

    Associate Professor
    Texas Children's Hospital/Baylor College of Medicine
    Houston, TX, United States

    • Instructors(s)

  • Mai Thy T. Truong, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor
    Stanford University
    Stanford, CA, United States

  • KS

    Kathleen C. Sie, MD

    Professor
    Seattle Children's Hospital
    Seattle, WA, United States

  • David A. Zopf, MD, MS

    Associate Professor
    University of Michigan Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
    Ann Arbor, MI, United States

Disclosure(s):
Mai Thy Truong, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Kathleen C. Sie, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.
David A. Zopf, MD, MS: No relevant relationships to disclose.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Microtia, underdevelopment of the auricle, affects approximately 0.03% of live births. Auricular cartilage framework built from autologous rib cartilage with carving, the most common technique for auricular reconstruction, is one of the most challenging skills for reconstructive surgeons to learn. Given the potential morbidity associated with technical errors in framework carving, opportunities for the acquisition of this skill are limited. However, it is critical for surgeons to be able to practice their carving skills. This presents an opportunity for surgical simulation.

This course is designed for surgeons with an interest in managing microtia patients with complete microtia reconstruction at all levels of their training. Step-by-step reconstructive procedures, starting from how to produce the ear from the contralateral ear, creating a skin pocket, to cartilage carving, will be reviewed. Hands-on costal cartilage carving will be available for 20 surgeons, under supervision by distinguished experts in this eld. Small group teaching will enhance the learning experience and a full life-size pediatric costal cartilage model, as well as a high-density porous polyethylene equivalent, will be provided for carving and assembly. At the end of the course, participants will have the opportunity to create an auricular framework.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Analyze the ear anatomy to accurately describes the abnormality.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Describe factors that identify the optimal candidates for auricular reconstruction.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Implement the techniques learned during the simulation into his/her practice.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: The 2022 session was well attended and there is a need for hands-on experience to achieve satisfactory techniques for cartilage ear cartilage carving.