Novel Low-Cost Open-Access 3D Printed Microlaryngeal Surgery Trainer

Otolaryngology trainees often have limited opportunities to practice microlaryngeal surgeries, so there is a need for high-quality simulation activities to aid in developing these skills. To address this gap, we created a low-cost, reusable, 3D-printed microlaryngeal simulator that can be used with various animal/human larynges to practice microlaryngeal surgery.

The simulator was developed through computer-aided design, iterative prototyping with 3D-printing, and repeated use in educational activities to guide improvements. Upon completion, a study was performed to evaluate educational value. Porcine larynges were used as a tissue model and study participants included medical students, otolaryngology residents, and laryngologists at the University of Colorado. Participants were instructed to raise a submucosal microflap on the vocal fold. Their simulated operations were video recorded and evaluated by a blinded reviewer to assess construct validity. Participants completed a Modified Michigan Standard Simulation Experience Scale Laryngeal Simulator Questionnaire and answered questions about their confidence performing the procedure to assess face and content validity.

The average participant ratings for self-efficacy, fidelity, educational value, and teaching quality of the simulation experience were above 4/5 for the trainees The average confidence rating for performing microflap surgery increased from 1.8/5 before the simulation to 3.0/5 postsimulation. Experts performed statistically significantly better than novices as determined by blinded review of the procedures.

This novel, low-cost, 3D-printed surgery trainer allows for the successful practice of microlaryngeal surgery. User-reported ratings and a blinded review suggest the simulator achieves content, face, and construct validity when used in simulated surgery.

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