Simulation of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Repair Using a 3-Dimensional Printed Model

Acquiring proficiency for the repair of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is challenging in great part due to its relative rarity, which offers a finite number of training opportunities.

The purpose of this study was to evaluates the use of a 3-dimensional (3D) printed, anatomically accurate model to simulate CSF leak closure.

Volunteer participants completed two simulation sessions. Questionnaires to assess their professional qualifications and a standardized 5-point Likert scale to estimate the level of confidence, were completed before and after each session. Participants were also queried on the overall educational utility of the simulation.

Thirteen otolaryngologists and 11 neurosurgeons, met the inclusion criteria. A successful repair of the CSF leak was achieved by 20/24 (83.33%), and 24/24 (100%) during the first and second simulation sessions respectively (average time 04:04 ± 1.39 and 02:10 ± 01:11). Time-to-close-the-CSF-leak during the second session was significantly shorter than the first (p < 0.001). Confidence scores increased across the training sessions (3.3 ± 1.0, before the simulation, 3.7 ± 0.6 after the first simulation, and 4.2 ± 0.4 after the second simulation; p < 0.001). All participants reported an increase in confidence and believed that the model represented a valuable training tool.

Despite significant differences with varying clinical scenarios, 3D printed models for cerebrospinal leak repair offer a feasible simulation for the training of residents and novice surgeons outside the constrictions of a clinical environment.