Implementation of a Low-Cost 3D-Printed Feline Larynx Model for Veterinary Students

Abstract

Endotracheal intubation (EI) in domestic cats is an important skill that veterinary students learn in order to perform anesthesia safely in this species. Implementing a 3D-printed larynx model (LaryngoCUBE) during the instruction process may improve student’s learning of EI in felines. Twenty-two third-year students performed EI in cats with standard training (ST), and 16 students trained with the model (MT) the day before the laboratory. It was evaluated whether training with the model decreases the time and number of EI attempts, students’ perceived difficulty performing EI using a visual analog score (VAS; 0 cm = very easy, 10 cm = extremely difficult; median [minimum–maximum]), and the incidence of failure to perform EI. The EI time on ST (58 [18–160] seconds) was longer, but not statistically different from MT (29 [13–120] seconds; p = .101). The number of EI attempts on ST (2 [1–3]) was higher than MT (1 [1–3]; p = .005). The VAS on the ST and MT were 4.5 (0.0–10.0) cm and 3.0 (0.2–10.0) cm, respectively ( p = .029). The failure rate was 27% on the ST and 25% on the MT ( p = 1.000). Students who practiced with a larynx model took fewer attempts to perform EI, tended to be faster, and found that EI was easier. However, the EI success rate in MT was not improved.

Canine Upper Digestive Tract 3D Model: Assessing Its Utility for Anatomy and Upper Endoscopy Learning

“…Simulation-based medical education has used 3D-printed models as tools for teaching and training in both human [10,22,23] and veterinary medicine [5,6,8,13,24]. The present work discusses an acceptable training tool for learning anatomy in both basic and clinical contexts.…”

“…Medical simulations have been reported to facilitate learning and complement medical education in patient care settings [9], and a few steps have been taken to create reliable customized simulators [10][11][12]. Three-dimensional-printed models have been shown to allow for the development of training exercises in veterinary education, thus enhancing the value of practical laboratories [7,13]. The use of different simulators for the training of veterinary students has been evaluated in various studies on abdominal laparoscopy [14][15][16][17] and gastrointestinal endoscopy [18,19].…”

“…The use of different simulators for the training of veterinary students has been evaluated in various studies on abdominal laparoscopy [14][15][16][17] and gastrointestinal endoscopy [18,19]. To the best of our knowledge, simulation models based on 3D printing to assist veterinary students in learning are still scarce [5,6,13], and none of them relate to training in performing upper endoscopies on dogs.…”