Applications of 3D printing in critical care medicine: A scoping review

Abstract

Although a wide range of medical applications for three-dimensional printing technology have been recognised, little has been described about its utility in critical care medicine. The aim of this review was to identify three-dimensional printing applications related to critical care practice. A scoping review of the literature was conducted via a systematic search of three databases. A priori specified themes included airway management, procedural support, and simulation and medical education. The search identified 1544 articles, of which 65 were included. Ranging across many applications, most were published since 2016 in non – critical care discipline-specific journals. Most studies related to the application of three-dimensional printed models of simulation and reported good fidelity; however, several studies reported that the models poorly represented human tissue characteristics. Randomised controlled trials found some models were equivalent to commercial airway-related skills trainers. Several studies relating to the use of three-dimensional printing model simulations for spinal and neuraxial procedures reported a high degree of realism, including ultrasonography applications three-dimensional printing technologies. This scoping review identified several novel applications for three-dimensional printing in critical care medicine. Three-dimensional printing technologies have been under-utilised in critical care and provide opportunities for future research.

Low-Cost 3D Models for Cervical Spine Tumor Removal Training for Neurosurgery Residents

“…In an era of technological progress, 3D models have emerged as potent tools for augmenting neurosurgical training [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. They furnish detailed spatial awareness essential for surgical strategizing and execution, alongside facilitating practical simulations [ 11 ].…”

Validation of 3D printed MAYO tubes and stethoscope in simulated medical environment – Tools fabricated with additive manufacturing for emergency care

“…A recent study involving four medical students and two instructors examined and proved the usability of 3D-printed stethoscopes in auscultation training, in which they simulated mitral stenosis, mitral regurgitation, and aortic stenosis [ 24 ]. Supraglottic airway management devices have been successfully developed and tested on Thiel embalmed bodies [ 25 ]; however, no previous work has reported the use of 3D printing for manufacturing MAYO tubes [ 26 ].…”

“…Although 3D printing technology has been used in almost all fields of medicine and the vast majority of medical instruments have been manufactured and tested in international studies, we did not find previous studies which aimed to critically evaluate 3D printed stethoscopes or MAYO tubes in real or simulated medical environments, involving a significant number of participants. In addition, a recent review indicated that 3D printing in critical care settings is strongly under-researched and under-utilized [ 26 ].…”