Hybrid 3D-Printed Manikin for Lung Isolation Training of Anesthesia Residents: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Anesthesiology
• Medical Simulation

Background:

• One-lung ventilation (OLV) is a critical skill for anesthesia residents.
• Standard manikins may not fully replicate the anatomical complexities of OLV.
• Improving simulation-based training is essential for procedural skill acquisition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of a 3D-printed hybrid manikin versus a standard manikin for teaching OLV skills.
• To evaluate skill acquisition and retention of one-lung ventilation (OLV) among anesthesia residents.
• To assess the impact of anatomically accurate simulation on procedural proficiency.

Main Methods:

• A single-center, randomized controlled trial involving 29 anesthesia residents.
• Participants trained on either a standard manikin or a hybrid 3D-printed manikin after a workshop.
• Skills, including double-lumen tube (DLT) placement, were assessed at multiple time points up to six months.

Main Results:

• The hybrid manikin group demonstrated significantly faster DLT placement immediately post-workshop.
• At two months, the hybrid group showed superior DLT success rates (100% vs. 13%) and better bronchoscopy global rating scores.
• No significant differences in skills were observed between groups by six months.

Conclusions:

• Cost-effective 3D-printed hybrid manikins enhance the acquisition and short-term durability of complex lung isolation skills.
• Significant procedural skill decay occurs by six months post-training.
• Regular refresher training is crucial for maintaining proficiency in OLV procedures.