The SAPIENS 3D-printed temporal bone model: a real tool for advanced otologic surgery education

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Anatomical Modeling
• Surgical Simulation

Background:

• Traditional otologic surgical education relies on cadavers, which have limitations.
• 3D printing technology offers a potential solution for creating realistic anatomical models.
• The SAPIENS (Specific Anatomical Printed-3D-model In Education and New Surgical Simulations) model was developed to address these needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate the SAPIENS 3D-printed temporal bone model for otologic surgical education.
• To assess the model's validity and similarity to fresh frozen human temporal bones.
• To determine the model's potential as a valuable tool in surgical training.

Main Methods:

• Twenty junior otolaryngologist surgeons participated in the study.
• Dissection was performed on transparent 3D-printed, opaque 3D-printed, and fresh frozen human temporal bones.
• Participants completed questionnaires evaluating anatomical accuracy, dissection characteristics, and model-to-human bone comparisons.

Main Results:

• 3D printed models demonstrated high scores, closely resembling human temporal bones in anatomy and dissection.
• Average scores for the transparent and opaque 3D models were 53.2/61 and 55.4/61, respectively.
• Comparisons between 3D models and human temporal bones were rated as very similar across all surgical steps.

Conclusions:

• The SAPIENS 3D-printed temporal bone model accurately replicates human temporal bone anatomy and dissection.
• This model is a valuable tool for advancing otologic surgical education.
• The SAPIENS model provides a realistic and accessible simulation for surgical training.