Contribution of 3D visualization and printing in teaching lung segments anatomy
Gabrielle Drevet1, Valentin Soldea2, Sylvain Gouttard3
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Lung and Heart-Lung Transplantation, Louis Pradel Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, F- 69677, France. gabrielle.drevet@chu-lyon.fr.
3D Printing in Medicine
|June 9, 2025
Summary
Medical students showed improved lung anatomy knowledge with traditional and 3D printed model teaching methods. 3D printed models offer a promising, cost-effective tool to enhance anatomy education for improved surgical skills.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Anatomy
- Surgical Training
Background:
- Lung segment anatomy knowledge is crucial for segmentectomies.
- Current anatomy teaching methods may benefit from innovative tools.
- Improving anatomical understanding can enhance surgical proficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of different teaching modalities in lung segment anatomy.
- To compare traditional 2D methods with 3D visualization and 3D printing techniques.
- To assess the impact of new technologies on medical students' anatomical knowledge.
Main Methods:
- 16 medical students were divided into three groups: traditional (2D drawings), 3D visualization software, and 3D printed models.
- All participants completed pre- and post-tests to assess knowledge acquisition.
- Teaching methods focused on lung segment anatomy.
Main Results:
- Overall, students significantly improved post-test scores compared to pre-test scores.
- Both traditional and 3D printing groups showed significant score improvements.
- The 3D visualization group did not demonstrate a significant difference between pre- and post-test scores.
Conclusions:
- Medical students exhibit deficiencies in lung segment anatomy knowledge.
- Traditional and 3D printed model teaching methods are effective for anatomy education.
- 3D printed models represent a valuable, user-friendly, and cost-effective tool for enhancing anatomy teaching.
