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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2019 Feb;98(8):e14665.
doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000014665.

A high-fidelity simulator for needle cricothyroidotomy training is not associated with increased proficiency compared with conventional simulators: A randomized controlled study

Atsuko Katayama  1 , Harumasa Nakazawa  1 , Joho Tokumine  1 , Alan Kawarai Lefor  2 , Kunitaro Watanabe  1 , Takayuki Asao  3 , Tomoko Yorozu  1
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

A high-fidelity simulator for needle cricothyroidotomy training is not associated with increased proficiency compared with conventional simulators: A randomized controlled study

Atsuko Katayama et al. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 Feb.

Abstract

Background: A high-fidelity task simulator for cricothyroidotomy was created using data from a 3-dimensional (3D) computed tomography scan using a 3D printer. We hypothesized that this high-fidelity cricothyroidotomy simulator results in increased proficiency for needle cricothyroidotomy compared with conventional simulators.

Methods: Cricothyroidotomy-naive residents were recruited and randomly assigned to 2 groups, including simulation training with a conventional simulator (Group C) and with a high-fidelity simulator (Group 3D). After simulation training, participants performed cricothyroidotomy using an ex vivo porcine larynx fitted with an endoscope to record the procedure. The primary outcomes were success rate and procedure time. The secondary outcome was a subjective measure of the similarity of the simulator to the porcine larynx.

Results: Fifty-two residents participated in the study (Group C: n = 27, Group 3D: n = 25). There was no significant difference in the success rate or procedure time between the 2 groups (success rate: P = .24, procedure time: P = .34). There was no significant difference in the similarity of the simulators to the porcine larynx (P = .81).

Conclusion: We developed a high-fidelity simulator for cricothyroidotomy from 3D computed tomography data using a 3D printer. This anatomically high-fidelity simulator did not have any advantages compared with conventional dry simulators.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Simulator made with 3-dimensional (3D) printer. The frame of the simulator is based on data from 3-dimensional computed tomography scan data (local ethical committee approved). Face validity of the simulator was verified independently by 2 anesthesiologists. The simulator is equipped with an endoscope to observe inside the lumen of the simulated trachea.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Porcine larynx and endoscopic observation. A, The porcine larynx fixed in a box. B, The larynx and box are covered with artificial skin. C, Endoscopic observation of the porcine larynx. The internal view is recorded by a computer.
Figure 3
Figure 3
CONSORT flow diagram.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Needle in the posterior wall of the simulated trachea.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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