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Surgeons' perspectives on patient-specific 3D-printed temporal bone models: What do we need?
Adam Omari1, Obinna I Nwosu2, Andreas Frithioff3
1Copenhagen Hearing and Balance Center, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation (CAMES), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Patient-specific 3D-printed temporal-bone models are valuable for complex surgeries, especially for low-volume surgeons. Critical structures require sub-millimeter accuracy for enhanced surgical planning and navigation.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Medical Imaging
- 3D Printing Technology
Background:
- Patient-specific 3D-printed temporal-bone (PS-TB) models offer potential benefits for surgical rehearsal, planning, and navigation.
- The optimal applications, required precision, and desired enhancements for PS-TB models are not fully defined from the otosurgeon's perspective.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate otosurgeons' preferred use-cases for PS-TB models.
- To determine the required physical resemblance and fidelity of PS-TB models.
- To identify valuable enhancements for PS-TB models from a clinical standpoint.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to national and international otosurgeons between December 2024 and April 2025.
- Respondents were categorized as high-volume (HV) or low-volume (LV) based on annual mastoidectomies performed.
- The survey included 88 questions with Likert-scale ratings and free-text responses, with group means compared using Welch t-tests.
Main Results:
- Of 69 respondents (55 LV, 32 HV), PS-TB models were most valued for pre-operative rehearsal in cases of anatomical malformation.
- Low-volume surgeons perceived higher clinical relevance for both pre-operative and intraoperative use compared to high-volume surgeons.
- Sub-millimeter precision is crucial for critical anatomical landmarks, particularly the facial nerve and lateral semicircular canal, with enhancements for visualization adding clinical value.
Conclusions:
- Otosurgeons view PS-TB models as beneficial for complex cases, especially malformed anatomy, with low-volume surgeons showing greater perceived relevance.
- Achieving sub-millimeter accuracy in replicating critical landmarks is essential for enhancing the clinical utility of these models.
- These findings provide a clear direction for improving the value and application of PS-TB models in otologic surgery.
