Use of 3-Dimensional Printing to Create Patient-Specific Thoracic Spine Models as Task Trainers

Abstract

It is possible to develop homemade, low-cost, patient-specific, and high-fidelity ultrasound guidance simulators for resident training in thoracic epidurals using 3-dimensional printing technology.

A do-it-yourself 3D-printed thoracic spine model for anesthesia resident simulation

“…The fabrication time of 3D-printed neuroaxial phantoms is significant. Our print time of approximately 14 hours and hands-on build time of approximately 5 hours compares favorably to other similar models with print times ranging from 25 hours to 3 days, and build times ranging from 6 hours to 6 hours plus an additional day for creating the silicone ligament [16,17]. Although a hands-on build time of 5 hours is significant, this time-cost must be measured against the monetary costs of commercially available models, which are usually in the thousands of dollars.…”

“…This simple DIY 3D-printed thoracic epidural model is a new educational tool that can be used for anesthesia resident simulation. Similar models have been described previously [16,17] and may help improve the rate at which trainees develop competency, potentially increase the success rate for first attempts at thoracic epidurals, and make the procedure safer for patients.…”

“…3D printing, with its low cost and ability to produce an almost infinite variety of complex shapes, represents an ideal method for the design and fabrication of medical education models. Current studies of neuroaxial phantoms describe techniques for transforming CT imaging data into files formatted for 3D printing [16,17]. Using these techniques, spine phantoms can be fabricated with normal and pathological variants and thus provide a robust armamentarium of educational tools for neuroaxial anesthesia.…”

“…Currently, there are two 3D-printed models for neuroaxial block simulation described in the literature [16,17], a novel thoracic spine phantom and a lumbar spine phantom. Both aim to further the development of low-cost, procedure specific models, fabricated with a desk-top printer.…”

Improving Clinical Proficiency Using a 3-Dimensionally Printed and Patient-Specific Thoracic Spine Model as a Haptic Task Trainer

“…To address these limitations, computed tomographic (CT) data-based, cost-effective, 3-dimensional (3D) printing of patient-specific spine models has been developed. 5 Once established as a unique teaching tool, affordability of patient-specific anatomical spine models is likely to enhance their widespread adoption during anesthesia training.…”