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Operable, Low-Cost, High-Resolution, Patient-Specific 3D Printed Temporal Bones for Surgical Simulation and
Monika E Freiser1, Anish Ghodadra2, Andrew A McCall1
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA, USA.
The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology
|February 8, 2021
Summary
Inexpensive 3D-printed models effectively train surgeons for mastoidectomy and can differentiate experience levels. These patient-specific models show promise for surgical education and evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Medical Simulation
- Surgical Training
- 3D Printing in Medicine
Background:
- Current mastoidectomy training models are often expensive or difficult to use.
- There is a need for accessible and effective simulation tools for surgical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of low-cost, 3D-printed temporal bone models for mastoidectomy training.
- To determine if these models can distinguish between different levels of surgical experience.
Main Methods:
- Patient-specific temporal bone models were created using a consumer-level 3D printer at a low cost.
- Surgical residents and attending surgeons performed mastoidectomies on the models.
- Trained otolaryngologists evaluated the completed procedures in a blinded manner.
Main Results:
- Both trainees and faculty found the 3D-printed models highly useful for training and case preparation.
- Blinded grading of the models showed significant differences in surgical outcomes based on experience level.
- The evaluation demonstrated moderate to excellent interrater reliability.
Conclusions:
- Inexpensive, patient-specific 3D-printed models are valuable for pediatric mastoidectomy training and preparation.
- These models can reliably differentiate surgeon experience levels.
- The models show potential for both formative and summative surgical assessments.
