Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 26, 2025
Creation of a High-Fidelity, Low-Cost, Intraosseous Line Placement Task Trainer via 3D Printing
Published on: August 17, 2022
Development and Validation of a Hybrid Bronchoscopy Trainer Using Three-Dimensional Printing
Ruth Shaylor1, Eran Golden, Or Goren
1From the Division of Anesthesia, Intensive Care, and Pain Medicine (R.S., O.G., V.V., B.C.), Surgical 3D Printing Laboratory (E.G.), Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; and Outcomes Research Consortium, Anesthesiology Institute, Cleveland Clinic (B.C.), Cleveland, OH.
A new hybrid simulator, combining a standard mannequin with a 3D-printed lower airway, offers an affordable and anatomically accurate tool for teaching bronchoscopy and lung isolation procedures.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Biomedical Engineering
- Anatomical Modeling
Background:
- Simulation is crucial in medical training.
- Existing intubation simulators lack lower airway anatomical detail, limiting their use for bronchoscopy and lung isolation training.
- There is a need for affordable, anatomically accurate simulators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create and validate a hybrid simulator using a 3D-printed lower airway attached to an existing mannequin.
- To assess the anatomical fidelity and educational suitability of the hybrid simulator compared to commercial models.
Main Methods:
- A 3D model of the lower airway was created from CT scans and 3D-printed.
- The 3D-printed airway was integrated into a standard mannequin.
- Anesthesiology attendings performed a blinded comparison of the hybrid and commercial models for various procedures.
Main Results:
- The 3D-printed hybrid model was rated significantly better for teaching double-lumen tube insertion (P=0.017) and bronchial blocker insertion.
- Visual fidelity of bronchial anatomy was superior in the 3D-printed model (P=0.007).
- The hybrid model was deemed more suitable for novice physicians learning these procedures.
Conclusions:
- A hybrid simulator with a 3D-printed lower airway is an affordable and effective tool for training bronchoscopy and lung isolation.
- This approach offers a cost-effective solution for institutions lacking funds for high-fidelity commercial simulators.
- 3D printing can enhance existing medical training mannequins with improved anatomical accuracy.
