3D-printed pediatric endoscopic ear surgery simulator for surgical training. (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barber, Samuel R.; Kozin, Elliott D.; Dedmon, Matthew; Lin, Brian M.; Lee, Kyuwon; Sinha, Sumi; Black, Nicole; Remenschneider, Aaron K.; Lee, Daniel J.
• Is Part Of: International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology. Volume 90(2016:Nov.)
• Page Start: 113
• Page End: 118
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: Endoscopic ear surgery -- Transcanal endoscopic ear surgery -- Simulator -- 3D printing -- Surgical simulation; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Oto-rhino-laryngologie -- Périodiques; Pédiatrie -- Périodiques; 618.9209751
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2016.08.027
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-5876

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Surgical simulators are designed to improve operative skills and patient safety. Transcanal Endoscopic Ear Surgery (TEES) is a relatively new surgical approach with a slow learning curve due to one-handed dissection. A reusable and customizable 3-dimensional (3D)-printed endoscopic ear surgery simulator may facilitate the development of surgical skills with high fidelity and low cost. Herein, we aim to design, fabricate, and test a low-cost and reusable 3D-printed TEES simulator. Methods: The TEES simulator was designed in computer-aided design (CAD) software using anatomic measurements taken from anthropometric studies. Cross sections from external auditory canal samples were traced as vectors and serially combined into a mesh construct. A modified tympanic cavity with a modular testing platform for simulator tasks was incorporated. Components were fabricated using calcium sulfate hemihydrate powder and multiple colored infiltrants via a commercial inkjet 3D-printing service. Results: All components of a left-sided ear were printed to scale. Six right-handed trainees completed three trials each. Mean trial time (n = 3) ranged from 23.03 to 62.77 s using the dominant hand for all dissection. Statistically significant differences between first and last completion time with the dominant hand (p < 0.05) and average completion time for junior and senior residents (p < 0.05) suggest construct validity. Conclusions: A 3D-printed simulator is feasible for TEES simulation. Otolaryngology training programs with access to a 3D printer may readily fabricate a TEES simulator, resulting in inexpensive yet high-fidelity surgical simulation.