Thoracic Surgeons' Attitude Towards Three Dimensional Printed Products: A Pilot Study.

Area of Science:

• Medical Technology
• Surgical Innovation
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology offers diverse applications across multiple scientific and industrial fields.
• The integration of 3D printing into surgical practice is an emerging area with potential benefits for patient care and surgical training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the perspectives and attitudes of thoracic surgeons regarding the utilization of 3D printed products in their clinical practice.
• To assess the perceived value of 3D printed anatomical models for surgical education and operative planning among thoracic surgeons.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire survey was designed to collect data on thoracic surgeons' demographic characteristics and their attitudes toward 3D printing technology.
• Descriptive statistical analyses and correlational examinations were performed to analyze the collected survey data.

Main Results:

• Thoracic surgeons generally expressed a positive attitude towards the adoption of 3D printed products.
• A significant majority of surgeons believe that 3D printed models are valuable tools for enhancing anatomical understanding and aiding in the organization and execution of surgical procedures.
• No statistically significant correlations were identified between the demographic attributes of the surgeons and their attitude scores concerning 3D printed products.

Conclusions:

• The findings indicate a favorable reception of 3D printing technology within the thoracic surgery community.
• 3D printed surgical aids are perceived as beneficial for both educational purposes and practical surgical planning.
• Demographic factors do not appear to influence thoracic surgeons' attitudes toward the use of 3D printed products.