Evaluation of the Success Rate of a 3D-Printed Videolaryngoscope Model in Simulation

Introduction Orotracheal intubation (OTI) is a critical airway management procedure. Although videolaryngoscopy improves the success rates and learning curves, its high cost limits its accessibility. This study aimed to evaluate the first-attempt success rate of a low-cost, self-designed, 3D-printed videolaryngoscope in a simulation-based training scenario involving anesthesiology residents. Methods A simulation-based device performance assessment study was conducted to evaluate a 3D videolaryngoscope model, named Printoscope. The final design featured a blade angled at 62° and a camera positioned at 50°, both of which were optimized to enhance glottic visualization and facilitate orotracheal tube placement. The device was 3D printed and connected to a low-cost industrial borescope, a small-diameter camera system with integrated illumination. A total of 22 anesthesiology residents underwent standard manikin intubations. The variables assessed included intubation time, Cormack-Lehane grade, percentage of glottic opening (POGO), and first-attempt success rate. Results The first-attempt success rate was 90.91% (20/22). The mean intubation time was 28.6 seconds (range: 7.7-153 seconds). The median POGO score was 100%, and 90.9% (20/22) of the participants achieved a Cormack-Lehane Grade I view. The usability and ergonomic ratings of the device were both 5 out of 5. Conclusions The Printoscope is a cost-effective, reproducible, and highly usable tool for airway training simulation. Its implementation may expand access to tools for advanced airway education, particularly in resource-limited settings. Clinical validation in real patients and multicenter evaluation are planned as a pilot simulation study to further assess its applicability.