Feasibility and Evaluation of a Novel Open-Source 3D Printed Simulator for Microlaryngeal Surgery.

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and utility of a novel, open-source 3D printed simulator for practicing laryngeal surgery skills in the clinic setting.

Study design: Device development and validation.

Setting: A tertiary medical center.

Methods: A laryngeal surgery simulator was created using computer-aided design software and 3D printed. Ten otolaryngology residents completed exercises utilizing the simulator and a flexible video laryngoscope for visualization. The training involved 3 microsurgery tasks: (1) suture removal from simulated vocal cords, (2) removal of silicone vocal cord polyps, and (3) simulated flap creation by peeling a grape's skin. Participant demographics, task completion time, and video recordings were collected. Participants provided subjective feedback through 5-point Likert-style questions assessing content and face validity.

Results: Both novice and experienced otolaryngology resident physicians reported positive perceptions of the simulator and its efficacy as an educational device, with average agreement more than neutral (P < .01). Participants praised the simulator's utility for practicing microsurgery skills using a flexible video laryngoscope and for handling instruments such as Kleinsasser forceps and micro scissors (P < .01). Preliminary findings suggest improvements in task completion time with higher post-graduate year. Participants also reported the need for greater realism.

Conclusion: This study of a 3D-printed simulator for laryngeal surgery skills using a flexible video laryngoscope demonstrated promising utility as an educational device. Positive feedback reflects the potential value as a training tool for residents to practice fine motor skills required for laryngeal surgery. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to validate these findings.