Open AccessComputer‐Aided Design and 3‐Dimensional Printing for Costal Cartilage Simulation of Airway Graft Carving
Author(s) -
Ha Jennifer F.,
Morrison Robert J.,
Green Glenn E.,
Zopf David A.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
otolaryngology–head and neck surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.232
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1097-6817
pISSN - 0194-5998
DOI - 10.1177/0194599817697048
Subject(s) - costal cartilage , computer science , airway , carving , medical physics , cadaveric spasm , simulation , medicine , surgery , cartilage , engineering , mechanical engineering , anatomy
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.