Assessment of a novel patient-specific 3D printed multi-material simulator for endoscopic sinus surgery

Abstract

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an emerging tool in the creation of anatomical models for surgical training. Its use in endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) has been limited because of the difficulty in replicating the anatomical details.Aim: To describe the development of a patient-specific 3D printed multi-material simulator for use in ESS, and to validate it as a training tool among a group of residents and experts in ear-nose-throat (ENT) surgery.Methods: Advanced material jetting 3D printing technology was used to produce both soft tissues and bony structures of the simulator to increase anatomical realism and tactile feedback of the model. A total of 3 ENT residents and 9 ENT specialists were recruited to perform both non-destructive tasks and ESS steps on the model. The anatomical fidelity and the usefulness of the simulator in ESS training were evaluated through specific questionnaires.Results: The tasks were accomplished by 100% of participants and the survey showed overall high scores both for anatomy fidelity and usefulness in training. Dacryocystorhinostomy, medial antrostomy, and turbinectomy were rated as accurately replicable on the simulator by 75% of participants. Positive scores were obtained also for ethmoidectomy and DRAF procedures, while the replication of sphenoidotomy received neutral ratings by half of the participants.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that a 3D printed multi-material model of the sino-nasal anatomy can be generated with a high level of anatomical accuracy and haptic response. This technology has the potential to be useful in surgical training as an alternative or complementary tool to cadaveric dissection.

Workflow assessment of an augmented reality application for planning of perforator flaps in plastic reconstructive surgery: Game or game changer?

“…Ideally, the current AR technologies can already be used for teaching purposes to improve spatial knowledge and to learn key steps during surgery for medical undergraduates or surgical residents in training either on patients or phantom models. 25 , 26 Furthermore, three-dimensional holograms in AR can be used to preoperatively enhance patient education by supporting visualizing medical content. 27…”

Additive Manufacturing of 3D Anatomical Models—Review of Processes, Materials and Applications

“… Examples of the assessments: ( A ) 3D printed ribs model with a chicken breast and biopsy needle and ultrasound scan of model [ 65 ] ( B ) 3D printed training tool for simulated endoscopic sinus surgery [ 66 ], ( C ) comparative analysis of the digital model and 3D scan of the printed model [ 67 ]. …”

Need for close interdisciplinary communication after endoscopic endonasal surgery to further personalize postoperative radiotherapy in sinonasal malignancies

“…If images and pointing information can be stored, these images may be co-registered and transferred on postoperative radiotherapy planning CT. 3D tumor reconstruction and printing might also be another intriguing option. At present, it has been used only for educational purposes with students or as some information aid for patients (15,16). It could provide a postoperative basis to improve understanding of positive margins on the tumor anatomy preoperatively.…”