Devices and methods for reshaping cartilage structures
Described are methods of reshaping a cartilage structure. One such method comprises creating a virtual three dimensional image of the cartilage structure; manipulating the virtual three dimensional image of the cartilage structure so as to obtain a virtual three dimensional image of a desired final shape of the cartilage structure; creating a virtual prototype of a device to hold the cartilage structure in the desired final shape of the cartilage structure; manufacturing the device; lasing the cartilage structure; and fitting the manufactured device to the cartilage structure (e.g., ear).
1. A device for reshaping an ear of a subject into a final desired shape for that ear, the device comprising:
a first surface configured to fit against and be adhered to the skin over the subject's skull behind the subject's ear;
a second surface designed and configured to fit against and be attached to the rear surface of the subject's ear so as to hold and maintain the ear in a final desired position relative to the subject's head, wherein the second surface has been molded, sculpted, or manufactured to provide a shaping surface conforming to the ear's final desired shape and wherein the second surface fits around the helix with a portion of the second surface extending into the scapha of the ear; and
a connecting structure attaching the first surface and the second surface, designed and configured so as to hold the first surface and the second surface in a desired position relative to one another;
wherein the device is rigid and, upon placement onto the subject's ear, is designed and configured to maintain the subject's ear in the final desired position and shape of the ear.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the device pushes or pulls the helix of the ear toward the mastoid.
3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first surface, second surface, and connecting structure are formed as a single piece.
4. A method of making the device of claim 1 , the method comprising:
analyzing the subject's head and ear;
creating a virtual three dimensional image of a subject's ear;
manipulating the virtual three dimensional image of the ear so as to obtain a virtual three dimensional image of a desired final shape of the ear;
creating, utilizing the virtual three dimensional image, a virtual prototype of the device, wherein the device is designed and configured to conform the ear to a final desired shape of the ear and position of the ear with respect to the subject's head; and
manufacturing the thus designed device.
5. A method of reshaping an ear of a subject, the method comprising:
creating a virtual three dimensional image of the subject's ear;
manipulating the virtual three dimensional image of the ear so as to obtain a virtual three dimensional image of a desired final shape of the ear;
utilizing the virtual three dimensional image to design a virtual prototype of a device for directing formation of the ear after induction of chondrogenesis in the ear into the desired final shape, the device comprising:
a first surface configured to fit against and be adhered to the subject's head behind the ear, and, upon attachment of the device onto the subject, hold the ear in a relative position with respect to the head; and
a second surface configured to fit against and be attached to the rear surface of the ear, wherein the second surface provides a shaping surface conforming to the ear's desired final shape,
manufacturing the thus designed device;
lasing both sides of the ear so as to stimulate chondrogenesis in the subject's lased ear;
fitting the manufactured device onto the subject's lased ear; and
maintaining the manufactured device on the lased ear until the ear is reshaped by device to that ear's desired final shape.
6. The method according to claim 5 , further comprising:
attaching the fitted manufactured device to the skin over the subject's skull and placing the ear into the desired final shape.
7. The method according to claim 6 , wherein attaching the manufactured device comprises gluing, cementing, and/or adhering the device.
8. The method according to claim 6 , wherein the device is maintained on the subject's ear for at least three weeks.
9. A method of reshaping an ear of a subject, the method comprising:
creating a virtual three dimensional image of the subject's ear;
manipulating the virtual three dimensional image of the ear so as to obtain a virtual three dimensional image of a desired final shape of the ear;
utilizing the virtual three dimensional image to design a virtual prototype of a device comprising:
a first surface configured to fit against and be adhered to the skin over the subject's skull behind the subject's ear;
a second surface designed and configured to fit against and be attached to the rear surface of the subject's ear so as to hold and maintain the ear in a desired final position relative to the subject's head, wherein the second surface has been molded, sculpted, or manufactured to provide a shaping surface conforming to the ear's desired final shape and wherein the second surface fits around the helix with a portion of the second surface extending into the scapha of the ear; and
a connecting structure attaching the first surface and the second surface, designed and configured so as to hold the first surface and the second surface in a desired position relative to one another;
wherein the device is rigid and, upon placement onto the subject's ear, is designed and configured to maintain the subject's ear in the desired final position and shape of the ear;
manufacturing the thus designed device;
lasing both sides of the ear so as to stimulate chondrogenesis in the subject's lased ear;
fitting the manufactured device onto the subject's lased ear; and
maintaining the manufactured device on the lased ear until the ear is reshaped by device to that ear's desired final shape.