Multidisciplinary Advanced Surgical Planning for Slide Tracheoplasty Using 3D-Printed Models

Area of Science:

• Surgical Innovation
• Medical Device Technology
• Anatomical Modeling

Background:

• Cervicothoracic slide tracheoplasty (CST) is a complex airway reconstruction procedure.
• Effective pre-operative planning is crucial for successful CST outcomes.
• Traditional planning methods may not fully capture the intricacies of CST.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate multidisciplinary advanced surgical planning (ASP) sessions utilizing 3D printed models for CST.
• To assess the impact of 3D modeling on surgeon confidence and intraoperative planning.
• To determine the perceived realism and utility of patient-specific 3D models in surgical preparation.

Main Methods:

• Patient-specific 3D trachea models were created for CST cases.
• Multidisciplinary ASP sessions included case discussions and hands-on simulations with 3D models.
• Surveys assessed model realism, utility, impact on surgical plans, and surgeon confidence (pre- and post-session).

Main Results:

• 3D models were rated as highly realistic (median 4) and useful (median 4) by surgeons.
• Overall surgeon confidence increased significantly (1.4 points, p < 0.0001), especially in less experienced surgeons.
• ASP sessions strongly impacted surgical plans and anticipated performance across all experience levels.

Conclusions:

• 3D-printed patient-specific models are effective tools for advanced surgical planning in CST.
• These models enhance surgeon confidence and refine surgical strategies for complex airway procedures.
• Multidisciplinary ASP sessions using 3D models offer significant benefits for CST.