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. 2017 Jun;156(6):1044-1047.
doi: 10.1177/0194599817697048. Epub 2017 Apr 11.

Computer-Aided Design and 3-Dimensional Printing for Costal Cartilage Simulation of Airway Graft Carving

Jennifer F Ha  1 , Robert J Morrison  2 , Glenn E Green  1 , David A Zopf  1   3
Affiliations

Computer-Aided Design and 3-Dimensional Printing for Costal Cartilage Simulation of Airway Graft Carving

Jennifer F Ha et al. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017 Jun.

Abstract

Autologous cartilage grafting during open airway reconstruction is a complex skill instrumental to the success of the operation. Most trainees lack adequate opportunities to develop proficiency in this skill. We hypothesized that 3-dimensional (3D) printing and computer-aided design can be used to create a high-fidelity simulator for developing skills carving costal cartilage grafts for airway reconstruction. The rapid manufacturing and low cost of the simulator allow deployment in locations lacking expert instructors or cadaveric dissection, such as medical missions and Third World countries. In this blinded, prospective observational study, resident trainees completed a physical simulator exercise using a 3D-printed costal cartilage grafting tool. Participant assessment was performed using a Likert scale questionnaire, and airway grafts were assessed by a blinded expert surgeon. Most participants found this to be a very relevant training tool and highly rated the level of realism of the simulation tool.

Keywords: 3D modeling; 3D printing; anterior graft; carving; computer aided design; costal cartilage; laryngotracheal reconstruction; posterior graft; simulation; surgical training; tool.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: Author D.A.Z. has filed a patent application related to the simulation device. The authors declare no other competing financial interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. 3D-Printed Costal Cartilage Simulation for Carving of Airway Grafts
(A) Three-dimensional rendering of stereolithography (.STL) file for the costal cartilage 3D-printed mold. (B) Final costal cartilage simulation tool. (C) Examples of final carved posterior (left) and anterior (right) airway grafts. (D) Trainee participants performing the simulation exercise.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Participant Likert Scale Self-Assessment Results.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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