Teaching abdominal aorta anatomy applied to clinical practice through active methodology and 3D printing

3D printing of anatomical structures from computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans enables new didactic strategies in the teaching anatomy applied clinical medicine, allowing the reproduction of organs affected by diseases or traumas. This approach brings students closer to real clinical cases, promoting the development of critical thinking through a practical and immersive experience. The present study aimed to analyse the performance of medical students in identifying vascular structures of the abdominal aorta associated with an aneurysm and horseshoe kidney using a 3D printed model. We also analysed the costs related to the 3D printing of the models.

This is a randomized study with a quantitative approach. The performance of medical students regarding anatomical and clinical knowledge of aorta artery associated with an aneurysm and a horseshoe kidney was analysed. Active methodology and 3D printed models of the abdominal aorta were used in the project.

The results show that the methodologies used were effective in improving students' performance regarding anatomical and clinical knowledge of aorta artery, specially in the group that used 3D models associated with 2D images.

The use of an integrated and interactive approach, which places the student as the protagonist of the learning process, improves performance and knowledge in anatomy. 3D printing, capable of producing high-quality and low-cost anatomical models, can become an additional tool in the teaching- learning process.