3D-printing a cost-effective model for mastoidectomy training

• Published in: 3D printing in medicine Vol. 9; no. 1; p. 12
• Main Authors: Frithioff, Andreas, Weiss, Kenneth, Frendø, Martin, Senn, Pascal, Mikkelsen, Peter Trier, Sieber, Daniel, Sørensen, Mads Sølvsten, Pedersen, David Bue, Andersen, Steven Arild Wuyts
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 17-04-2023; Springer Nature B.V; BMC
• Subjects: 3D printing; Additive manufacturing; Biomaterials; Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering; Bone surgery; Bones; Cadavers; Facial nerve; Feasibility; Imaging; Mastoidectomy; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Otolaryngology; Printers; Printing; Radiology; Rapid prototyping; Surgery; Temporal bone; Three dimensional models; Three dimensional printing; Training; Training; Otology; Temporal bone; Education; Rapid prototyping; Additive manufacturing; 3D printing; Mastoidectomy
• ISSN: 2365-6271; 2365-6271
• DOI: 10.1186/s41205-023-00174-y

Background
3D-printed temporal bone models can potentially provide a cost-effective alternative to cadaver surgery that can be manufactured locally at the training department. The objective of this study was to create a cost-effective 3D-printed model suitable for mastoidectomy training using entry level and commercially available print technologies, enabling individuals, without prior experience on 3D-printing, to manufacture their own models for basic temporal bone training.
Methods
Expert technical professionals and an experienced otosurgeon identified the best material for replicating the temporal bone and created a cost-effective printing routine for the model using entry-level print technologies. Eleven participants at a temporal bone dissection course evaluated the model using a questionnaire.
Results
The 3D-printed temporal bone model was printed using a material extrusion 3D-printer with a heat resistant filament, reducing melting during drilling. After printing, a few simple post-processing steps were designed to replicate the dura, sigmoid sinus and facial nerve. Modifying the 3D-printer by installing a direct-drive and ruby nozzle resulted in more successful prints and less need for maintenance. Upon evaluation by otorhinolaryngology trainees, unanimous feedback was that the model provided a good introduction to the mastoidectomy procedure, and supplementing practice to cadaveric temporal bones.
Conclusion
In-house production of a cost-effective 3D-printed model for temporal bone training is feasible and enables training institutions to manufacture their own models. Further, this work demonstrates the feasibility of creating new temporal bone models with anatomical variation to provide ample training opportunity.