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3D printed synthetic models for training minimally invasive pediatric surgery - our own experience and literature
Insights
3D-printed models offer realistic training for pediatric surgeons performing complex minimally invasive procedures. This innovation enhances surgical skills and patient safety in pediatric surgery.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Education
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Pediatric surgery faces challenges including reduced training time and the technical demands of minimally invasive procedures.
- Minimally invasive surgery in children offers benefits but requires advanced technical skills.
- Effective surgical training is crucial for maintaining high standards of care and patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on 3D-printed synthetic models for minimally invasive pediatric surgery training.
- To present the development and application of 3D-printed models for thoracoscopic esophageal atresia surgery training.
- To highlight innovative approaches in surgical education for pediatric surgeons.
Main Methods:
- Integration of 3D printing technology with medical imaging data (CT/MRI).
- Creation of highly realistic simulation models replicating surgical environments.
- Development of synthetic models for specific procedures like thoracoscopic esophageal atresia repair.
Main Results:
- 3D-printed models provide accurate replication of anatomical structures and surgical conditions.
- Simulation models enhance the quality and safety of surgical training without patient risk.
- These models facilitate the development of technical skills for complex minimally invasive pediatric surgeries.
Conclusions:
- 3D-printed synthetic models represent a significant advancement in surgical simulation for pediatric training.
- These models address the need for improved and accessible training methods in minimally invasive pediatric surgery.
- Continued development and utilization of 3D printing in surgical education can improve outcomes for pediatric patients.
Abstract:
Pediatric surgery is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and postoperative care of children with congenital and acquired anomalies and diseases. The goal of pediatric surgeons is to ensure that children receive the best possible care while minimizing the risks and complications associated with surgical procedures. Contemporary pediatric surgeons face many challenges, including a decline in the number of children with congenital developmental defects, economic pressures, and efforts to increase efficiency, leading to reduced time spent on individual surgeries. This can limit the opportunity for thorough training of young surgeons. These challenges require innovative approaches and continuous improvement in educational and training methods. Minimally invasive surgery has become a significant part of pediatric surgery, offering benefits such as faster recovery, smaller surgical wounds, and lower risk of infection. However, minimally invasive pediatric surgery is technically demanding and requires excellent technical skills. The need to maintain and improve surgical skills demands ongoing training. Current educational methods increasingly rely on simulation technologies to enhance the quality and safety of training without risk to patients. The integration of 3D printing technology and imaging data from CT and MRI scans has opened new possibilities for creating highly realistic simulation models for minimally invasive surgery. These models accurately replicate the environment encountered in procedures like neonatal surgery. In this article, we present our experience with the development and creation of 3D-printed synthetic models designed for training thoracoscopic surgery of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula. The aim of this review article is to provide an up-to-date overview of the literature on synthetic 3D-printed models designed for training in minimally invasive pediatric surgery.
