3D-printed tracheoesophageal puncture and prosthesis placement simulator

Authors

Samuel R. Barber, Eaton Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, United States. Electronic address: samuel_barber@meei.harvard.edu.Follow
Elliott D. Kozin, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, United States; Department of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School, United States.
Matthew R. Naunheim, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, United States; Department of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School, United States.
Rosh Sethi, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, United States; Department of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School, United States.
Aaron K. Remenschneider, Eaton Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, United States.
Daniel G. Deschler, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, United States; Department of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School, United States.

Document Type

Article

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: A tracheoesophageal prosthesis (TEP) allows for speech after total laryngectomy. However, TEP placement is technically challenging, requiring a coordinated series of steps. Surgical simulators improve technical skills and reduce operative time. We hypothesize that a reusable 3-dimensional (3D)-printed TEP simulator will facilitate comprehension and rehearsal prior to actual procedures. METHODS: The simulator was designed using Fusion360 (Autodesk, San Rafael, CA). Components were 3D-printed in-house using an Ultimaker 2+ (Ultimaker, Netherlands). Squid simulated the common tracheoesophageal wall. A Blom-Singer TEP (InHealth Technologies, Carpinteria, CA) replicated placement. Subjects watched an instructional video and completed pre- and post-simulation surveys. RESULTS: The simulator comprised 3D-printed parts: the esophageal lumen and superficial stoma. Squid was placed between components. Ten trainees participated. Significant differences existed between junior and senior residents with surveys regarding anatomy knowledge(p<0.05), technical details(p<0.01), and equipment setup(p<0.01). Subjects agreed that simulation felt accurate, and rehearsal raised confidence in future procedures. CONCLUSIONS: A 3D-printed TEP simulator is feasible for surgical training. Simulation involving multiple steps may accelerate technical skills and improve education.

Medical Subject Headings

Adult; Clinical Competence; Education, Medical, Graduate (methods); Educational Measurement; Esophagoscopy (methods); Esophagus (surgery); Female; Humans; Internship and Residency (methods); Laryngeal Neoplasms (surgery); Laryngectomy (methods); Larynx, Artificial; Male; Otolaryngology (education); Pilot Projects; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Prosthesis Implantation (methods); Punctures; Simulation Training (methods); Trachea (surgery); United States

Publication Date

1-1-2018

Publication Title

American journal of otolaryngology

E-ISSN

1532-818X

Volume

39

Issue

1

First Page

37

Last Page

40

PubMed ID

28964552

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1016/j.amjoto.2017.08.001

Recommended Citation

Barber, Samuel R.; Kozin, Elliott D.; Naunheim, Matthew R.; Sethi, Rosh; Remenschneider, Aaron K.; and Deschler, Daniel G., "3D-printed tracheoesophageal puncture and prosthesis placement simulator" (2018). ENT and Skull Base Surgery. 51.
https://scholar.barrowneuro.org/ent-and-skull-base-surgery/51