Creation and evaluation of a three-dimensional-printed synthetic vas deferens for microsurgical training.

Abstract

Introduction: Individuals choose to undergo vasectomy reversal for a variety of reasons, including remarriage or due to the death of a child. To be proficient in this procedure, the surgeons need to be high volume and the trainees require a safe environment to develop their microsurgical skills. To overcome this challenge, we used three-dimensional (3D) printing to create a synthetic model of the vas deferens with properties similar to the human vas deferens. We distributed this model to experienced microsurgeons for evaluation.

Methods: The vas deferens model was created using thermoplastic polyurethane filament. The filament was then infused with a foaming agent to allow for temperature-dependent tuning of the material's stiffness. The model's outer diameter was 1 mm and the inner lumen was 0.5 mm. Fellowship-trained male reproductive urologists were recruited from the Society for the Study of Male Reproduction website. They used our model and judged it on several factors by completing a 13-question survey.

Results: We received completed evaluations from five microsurgeons. Eighty percent of the surgeons were able to complete a full anastomosis on the model using 9-0 and 10-0 sutures. The majority of the completed anastomoses were performed using the one-layer technique. The average responses for the model's usefulness as a practice tool, a training tool, and overall assessment ranged from 72 to 79 out of 100. Comments for the improvement included the need for a more flexible and softer model.

Conclusions: We created a 3D-printed synthetic vas deferens that serves as a valuable training and practice tool.