A 3D-Printed Educational Model for First-Line Management of BPPV in Emergency Departments

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Biomedical Engineering
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) management requires precise therapeutic maneuvers.
• Current training methods may benefit from innovative educational tools.
• 3D-printed (3DP) models offer a novel approach to simulating complex anatomical structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a 3D-printed model of the human labyrinth for BPPV training.
• To assess the efficacy of the 3DP model in improving trainee performance of therapeutic maneuvers.
• To evaluate trainee satisfaction and understanding of BPPV biomechanics using the model.

Main Methods:

• A 1.5:1 3DP model of the labyrinth and a 1:1 3DP skull model were created from CT scans.
• 15 Emergency Medicine residents, 15 medical students, 15 Otolaryngology residents, and 15 Otolaryngology practitioners participated.
• Participants performed Semont and Epley maneuvers before and after observing BPPV biomechanics on the model, followed by a survey.

Main Results:

• All trainee groups showed an improvement trend on their second attempt.
• Medical students significantly improved in both Epley and Semont maneuvers (p < 0.05).
• Emergency Medicine residents showed significant improvement in Semont maneuvers (p = 0.0134).
• Self-reported understanding of BPPV mechanics significantly improved across all groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• The 3D-printed model demonstrates feasibility and potential as an educational tool for BPPV training.
• This innovative model can enhance the practical skills and understanding of practitioners managing BPPV.
• Preliminary findings support the use of 3DP models for first-line BPPV management training.