Three-Dimensional Printing: Current Use in Rhinology and Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery

Abstract

Background In the discipline of rhinology and endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS), 3-dimensional (3D) printing has found meaningful application in areas including preoperative surgical planning as well as in surgical education. However, its scope of use may be limited due to the perception among surgeons that there exists a prohibitively high initial investment in resources and time to acquire the requisite technical expertise. Nevertheless, given the ever decreasing cost of advancing technology coupled with the need to understand the complex spatial relationships of the paranasal sinuses and skull base, the use of 3D printing in rhinology and ESBS is poised to blossom. Objective Help the reader identify current or potential future uses of 3D printing technology relevant to their rhinologic clinical or educational practice. Methods A review of published literature relating to 3D printing in rhinology and ESBS was performed. Results Results were reviewed and organized into 5 overarching categories including an overview of the 3D printing process as well as applications of 3D printing including (1) surgical planning, (2) custom prosthetics and implants, (3) patient education, and (4) surgical teaching and assessment. Conclusion In the discipline of rhinology and ESBS, 3D printing finds use in the areas of presurgical planning, patient education, prosthesis creation, and trainee education. As this technology moves forward, these products will be more broadly available to providers in the clinical and educational setting. The possible applications are vast and have great potential to positively impact surgical training, patient satisfaction, and most importantly, patient outcomes.

Emerging concepts in endoscopic skull base surgery training

“…In this regard, internal carotid artery (ICA) injury during EEA is a vitally important scenario to rehearse. A variety of simulation models have been developed for ICA injury during EEA ranging from cadavers to animal‐based to 3‐D printed models 23–26 . Regardless of the model, involvement with ICA injury simulation has been shown to reduce the volume of blood loss, improve time to hemostasis and improve surgeon confidence 23,25,27,28 …”

“…A variety of simulation models have been developed for ICA injury during EEA ranging from cadavers to animal-based to 3-D printed models. [23][24][25][26] Regardless of the model, involvement with ICA injury simulation has been shown to reduce the volume of blood loss, improve time to hemostasis and improve surgeon confidence. 23,25,27,28 Maza et al utilized a 3D model of ICA injury to train 20 otolaryngologists and 26 neurosurgeons in management of endoscopic ICA injuries.…”

Application of a three-dimensional printed model to localize a cranial cerebrospinal fluid leak: a case report

“…The highly personalized design of 3D printed models allows medical professionals to produce patient-specific models that can present anatomical structures in detail and facilitate preoperative surgical planning. 6 – 8 We previously reported the utility of 3D printed models of skull base meningioma for preoperatively visualizing the skull base condition and improving surgical planning. 7 For CSF leaks caused by osseous defects at the skull base, 3D printing technology may be beneficial for localization of defect sites and surgical repair planning via preoperative visualization of the skull condition.…”

Something for Everyone in Rhinology and Allergy

“…15 Low et al delve into the applications of three-dimensional printing technology to rhinology and endoscopic skull base surgery, including surgical planning, custom prosthetics, patient education and surgical teaching and assessment. 16…”

“…15 Low et al delve into the applications of three-dimensional printing technology to rhinology and endoscopic skull base surgery, including surgical planning, custom prosthetics, patient education and surgical teaching and assessment. 16 Rounding out this issue of AJRA is a potpourri of provocative studies covering more eclectic aspects of rhinology. Pendolino et al study the characteristics of normal nasal airflow in healthy volunteers and correlate their findings with nasal cytology.…”