Development of a High-Fidelity, 3D Printed Otoplasty Surgical Simulator.

IMPORTANCE: Prominotia has functional and esthetic impact for the child and family and proficiency in otoplasty requires experiential rehearsal. OBJECTIVES: To design and validate an anatomically accurate, 3D printed prominotia simulator for rehearsal of otoplasties. METHODS: A 3D prominotia model was designed from a computed tomographic (CT) scan and edited in 3-matic software. Negative molds were 3D printed and filled with silicone. Expert surgeons performed an otoplasty procedure on these simulators and provided Likert-based feedback. RESULTS: Six expert surgeons with a mean of 14.3 years of practice evaluated physical qualities, realism, performance, and value of the simulator. The simulator was rated on a scale of 1 (no value) to 5 (great value) and scored 3.83 as a training tool, 3.83 as a competency evaluation tool, and 4 as a rehearsal tool. CONCLUSIONS: Expert validation rated the otoplasty simulator highly in physical qualities, realism, performance, and value. With minor modifications, this model demonstrates valuable educational potential.

Simulation of laryngotracheal reconstruction with 3D-printed models and porcine cadaveric models.

Objectives: Laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) is a complex operation used to treat subglottic stenosis. The use of simulator models is a valuable tool in surgical trainee education, particularly for operations such as LTR that are less common outside high-volume centers. Three-dimensional (3D) printing of the human airway may provide an effective and more accessible alternative to porcine cadaveric models. The objective of this study is to compare the educational value of a 3D-printed model and a porcine cadaveric model as LTR simulation methods. Methods: Simulated LTR procedures were completed by 12 otolaryngology residents and a faculty physician on the cadaveric model and the 3D-printed simulator model. Both models were evaluated by fellowship-trained pediatric otolaryngologists to establish construct validity. Pre-procedure surveys of participants evaluated confidence and attitude toward models and post-procedure surveys evaluated confidence, overall impressions, relevance, content validity, and face validity. Results: Participants reported a similar mean increase in confidence after performing LTR on the 3D-printed model (14%) and cadaveric model (11%). Participants rated both models similarly for utility as an overall training tool and in teaching surgical planning and improving operative techniques. However, participants found the 3D-printed model more useful for teaching anatomy (p = .047). Conclusion: 3D-printed models have practical benefits over cadaveric models; they do not decompose and can be custom made to model a disease state such as subglottic stenosis. Participants reported a similar mean increase in confidence after using either simulation. The 3D-printed model is a promising simulation candidate as it compares well to an animal model and has the advantage of being more anatomically true to pediatric patients.Level of Evidence: Level 2.

Starting a medical 3D printing lab for otolaryngology-head and neck surgery collaboration.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the different strategies for developing and maintaining a 3-dimensional (3D) printing lab. METHODS: We evaluated two printing labs and compared their structure, integration, and production. RESULTS: While one lab was initiated by a clinician and the other by a technical expert, both labs followed a similar series of steps to develop their lab. Each identified a key clinical need, developed a collaborative team, found financial support, and discovered options for sustainability. CONCLUSIONS: While there is no correct path for developing a 3D printing lab, depending on the existing infrastructure and the clinical need, one may choose a certain initial structure for a lab while following a list of common necessary steps.