Multi-material three dimensional printed models for simulation of bronchoscopy

BMC Medical Education

Gerald Jit Shen Tan¹  Brian Han Khai Ho²  Sreenivasulu Reddy Mogali²  Cecilia Jiayu Chen²  Michael Alan Ferenczi²  Albert Yick Hou Lim³  Heang Kuan Joel Tan⁴  Wai Yee Yeong⁴ 

[1] Diagnostic Radiology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital;Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University;Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Clinic, Tan Tock Seng Hospital;Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University;

关键词: 3D printing;    simulation;    bronchoscopy;    bronchial tree;    multi-material;    airway pathology;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12909-019-1677-9

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background Bronchoscopy involves exploration of a three-dimensional (3D) bronchial tree environment using just two-dimensional (2D) images, visual cues and haptic feedback. Sound knowledge and understanding of tracheobronchial anatomy as well as ample training experience is mandatory for technical mastery. Although simulated modalities facilitate safe training for inexperienced operators, current commercial training models are expensive or deficient in anatomical accuracy, clinical fidelity and patient representation. The advent of Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology may resolve the current limitations with commercial simulators. The purpose of this report is to develop and test the novel multi-material three-dimensional (3D) printed airway models for bronchoscopy simulation. Methods Using material jetting 3D printing and polymer amalgamation, human airway models were created from anonymized human thoracic computed tomography images from three patients: one normal, a second with a tumour obstructing the right main bronchus and third with a goitre causing external tracheal compression. We validated their efficacy as airway trainers by expert bronchoscopists. Recruited study participants performed bronchoscopy on the 3D printed airway models and then completed a standardized evaluation questionnaire. Results The models are flexible, life size, anatomically accurate and patient specific. Five expert respiratory physicians participated in validation of the airway models. All the participants agreed that the models were suitable for training bronchoscopic anatomy and access. Participants suggested further refinement of colour and texture of the internal surface of the airways. Most respondents felt that the models are suitable simulators for tracheal pathology, have a learning value and recommend it to others for use in training. Conclusion Using material jetting 3D printing to create patient-specific anatomical models is a promising modality of simulation training. Our results support further evaluation of the printed airway model as a bronchoscopic trainer, and suggest that pathological airways may be simulated using this technique.

【 授权许可】

Unknown