A Novel 3D-Printed Simulator for Patient-Directed Home Drain Removal in Head and Neck Surgery

The purpose of this study was to develop and implement a novel 3D printed simulator to be used to educate patients about home drain removal prior to discharge and to highlight its benefits to the patient and healthcare systems.

A deidentified CT scan was used to create an anatomically accurate 3D printed mold of a neck. Additional conduits and inserts were added to the simulator during the silicone molding process. Simulators were produced and utilized on inpatient floors of a head and neck service at one comprehensive cancer center to assist with patient education for an existing home drain removal program.

Three novel simulators were produced and used in the patient discharge training program for patient-directed home drain removal. 3D anatomic models have been shown to improve patient understanding and assist with acquisition of procedural skills, so the incorporation of a drain removal simulator into a home drain removal program sought to improve patient comfort with drain removal and expand the number of eligible patients for this program. Home drain removal is associated with reduced unnecessary clinic visits, lower healthcare costs, and optimized resource utilization.

A 3D printed drain removal simulator has the potential to enhance patient education for home-based surgical neck drain removal and expand enrollment in self-directed drain removal. Greater enrollment in home drain removal has the potential to benefit patients and healthcare systems through improved time efficiency and financial savings.