Systematic Review of 3D-Printed Ultrasound-able Models in Graduate Medical Education

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Biomedical Engineering
• 3D Printing Technology

Background:

• Procedural training for medical residents requires high-fidelity simulation models.
• Current commercial ultrasound models can be expensive and lack specific tissue properties.
• Three-dimensional (3D) printing offers a potential solution for creating customized, cost-effective training tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review studies on 3D-printed ultrasound-able models for resident procedural training.
• To evaluate the tissue-specific properties and effectiveness of these 3D-printed models.
• To assess the cost-effectiveness of 3D-printed models compared to commercial alternatives.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across three databases.
• Identification and screening of 456 articles.
• Inclusion of 11 studies for qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Main Results:

• All qualitative studies reported improvements in procedural skills.
• 89% of quantitative studies demonstrated significant positive outcomes.
• 3D-printed models showed a 90% reduction in fabrication cost compared to commercial models.

Conclusions:

• 3D-printed ultrasound-able models offer a viable, low-cost, high-fidelity training solution for residents.
• These models demonstrate potential for improving procedural competence and reducing training expenses.
• Further research into tissue-specific properties can optimize 3D-printed model development.