3D Printed Chest Wall: A Tool for Advanced Microsurgical Training Simulating Depth and Limited View

Area of Science:

• Microsurgery
• Surgical Training
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is preferred for autologous breast reconstruction.
• Anastomosing DIEP pedicles to internal mammary vessels is challenging due to limited access and vessel depth.
• Current microsurgical training models lack clinical realism for deep vessel anastomosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an improved microsurgical training model for DIEP flap breast reconstruction.
• To enhance existing training models to better simulate the clinical environment for deep vessel anastomosis.
• To provide early-career surgeons with a more realistic practice setting for complex microsurgical procedures.

Main Methods:

• Development of a three-dimensional (3D) printed chest wall.
• Integration of the 3D printed chest wall with the established chicken thigh microsurgical model.
• Utilizing rapid prototyping for model creation.

Main Results:

• The enhanced model realistically mimics the complexity of chest wall anastomosis in DIEP breast reconstruction.
• Trainees can practice end-to-end anastomoses on vessels at variable depths.
• The model offers a simple, cost-effective, and more clinically relevant training experience.

Conclusions:

• The 3D printed chest wall addition significantly improves the realism of the chicken thigh model for DIEP flap training.
• This enhanced model addresses the limitations of current training methods for deep vessel microsurgery.
• The improved training model facilitates better preparation for complex autologous breast reconstruction procedures.