Two cleft palate simulators of Furlow double-opposing Z- palatoplasty: a comparative study

Area of Science:

• Surgical Education
• Biomedical Engineering
• Anatomical Simulation

Background:

• Cleft palate repair, specifically Furlow double-opposing Z-plasty, requires specialized training.
• Simulation-based learning is crucial for developing surgical proficiency.
• Evaluating novel simulation models is essential for advancing surgical education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of porcine tongue simulators versus 3D-printed simulators for palatoplasty simulation.
• To assess the role of these simulators in surgical education for cleft surgeons.

Main Methods:

• Eighteen senior cleft surgeons participated in a simulation workshop using both porcine tongue and 3D-printed palatoplasty simulators.
• Participants performed Furlow double-opposing Z-plasty on each simulator.
• Performance was evaluated using a standardized scoring system assessing flexibility, anatomical accuracy, incision, suturing, and ease of use.

Main Results:

• Both simulators were considered valuable and easy to use (P=1.00).
• Porcine tongue simulators demonstrated significantly better organizational flexibility and ductility (P=0.04) and suturing simulation (P<0.01).
• No significant differences were found in anatomical design or incision simulation between the two models.

Conclusions:

• Both porcine tongue and 3D-printed simulators offer unique advantages for palatoplasty surgical education.
• Porcine tongue simulators excel in flexibility, ductility, and suturing realism.
• The combined use of both simulators provides a comprehensive educational model for practicing palatoplasty techniques.