1
|
Iannella G, Pace A, Mucchino A, Greco A, De Virgilio A, Lechien JR, Maniaci A, Cocuzza S, Perrone T, Messineo D, Magliulo G. A new 3D-printed temporal bone: 'the SAPIENS'-specific anatomical printed-3D-model in education and new surgical simulations. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2024:10.1007/s00405-024-08645-6. [PMID: 38683361 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-024-08645-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Otology and neuro-otology surgeries pose significant challenges due to the intricate and variable anatomy of the temporal bone (TB), requiring extensive training. In the last years 3D-printed temporal bone models for otological dissection are becoming increasingly popular. In this study, we presented a new 3D-printed temporal bone model named 'SAPIENS', tailored for educational and surgical simulation purposes. METHODS The 'SAPIENS' model was a collaborative effort involving a multidisciplinary team, including radiologists, software engineers, ENT specialists, and 3D-printing experts. The development process spanned from June 2022 to October 2023 at the Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome. Acquisition of human temporal bone images; temporal bone rendering; 3D-printing; post-printing phase; 3D-printed temporal bone model dissection and validation. RESULTS The 'SAPIENS' 3D-printed temporal bone model demonstrated a high level of anatomical accuracy, resembling the human temporal bone in both middle and inner ear anatomy. The questionnaire-based assessment by five experienced ENT surgeons yielded an average total score of 49.4 ± 1.8 out of 61, indicating a model highly similar to the human TB for both anatomy and dissection. Specific areas of excellence included external contour, sigmoid sinus contour, cortical mastoidectomy simulation, and its utility as a surgical practice simulator. CONCLUSION We have designed and developed a 3D model of the temporal bone that closely resembles the human temporal bone. This model enables the surgical dissection of the middle ear and mastoid with an excellent degree of similarity to the dissection performed on cadaveric temporal bones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giannicola Iannella
- Department of 'Organi di Senso', University "Sapienza", Viale dell'Università, 33, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Pace
- Department of 'Organi di Senso', University "Sapienza", Viale dell'Università, 33, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Mucchino
- Department of 'Organi di Senso', University "Sapienza", Viale dell'Università, 33, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of 'Organi di Senso', University "Sapienza", Viale dell'Università, 33, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Armando De Virgilio
- Department of 'Organi di Senso', University "Sapienza", Viale dell'Università, 33, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Jerome R Lechien
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Mons (UMons), Mons, Belgium
| | | | - Salvatore Cocuzza
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Tiziano Perrone
- Department of Otolaryngology, Civil Hospital of Alghero, Alghero, Italy
| | - Daniela Messineo
- Department of 'Organi di Senso', University "Sapienza", Viale dell'Università, 33, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Magliulo
- Department of 'Organi di Senso', University "Sapienza", Viale dell'Università, 33, 00185, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lähde S, Hirsi Y, Salmi M, Mäkitie A, Sinkkonen ST. Integration of 3D-printed middle ear models and middle ear prostheses in otosurgical training. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2024; 24:451. [PMID: 38658934 PMCID: PMC11044351 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-05436-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In otosurgical training, cadaveric temporal bones are primarily used to provide a realistic tactile experience. However, using cadaveric temporal bones is challenging due to their limited availability, high cost, and potential for infection. Utilizing current three-dimensional (3D) technologies could overcome the limitations associated with cadaveric bones. This study focused on how a 3D-printed middle ear model can be used in otosurgical training. METHODS A cadaveric temporal bone was imaged using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) to generate a 3D model of the middle ear. The final model was printed from transparent photopolymers using a laser-based 3D printer (vat photopolymerization), yielding a 3D-printed phantom of the external ear canal and middle ear. The feasibility of this phantom for otosurgical training was evaluated through an ossiculoplasty simulation involving ten otosurgeons and ten otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (ORL-HNS) residents. The participants were tasked with drilling, scooping, and placing a 3D-printed partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (PORP). Following the simulation, a questionnaire was used to collect the participants' opinions and feedback. RESULTS A transparent photopolymer was deemed suitable for both the middle ear phantom and PORP. The printing procedure was precise, and the anatomical landmarks were recognizable. Based on the evaluations, the phantom had realistic maneuverability, although the haptic feedback during drilling and scooping received some criticism from ORL-HNS residents. Both otosurgeons and ORL-HNS residents were optimistic about the application of these 3D-printed models as training tools. CONCLUSIONS The 3D-printed middle ear phantom and PORP used in this study can be used for low-threshold training in the future. The integration of 3D-printed models in conventional otosurgical training holds significant promise.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sini Lähde
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Head and Neck Center Tauno Palva Laboratory, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yasmin Hirsi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Head and Neck Center Tauno Palva Laboratory, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mika Salmi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Antti Mäkitie
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Head and Neck Center Tauno Palva Laboratory, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine, Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Saku T Sinkkonen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Head and Neck Center Tauno Palva Laboratory, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yao A, Richards E, Dalton CL. Trainee-perceived benefits of a virtual temporal bone competition. J Laryngol Otol 2024:1-5. [PMID: 38351567 DOI: 10.1017/s0022215124000070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the perceived benefits of a novel educational approach for otolaryngology trainees: a virtual reality temporal bone simulator drilling competition. METHODS Regional otolaryngology trainees participated in the competition. Drilling activities using the Voxel-Man TempoSurg simulator were scored by experts. Questionnaires that contained questions covering motivators for attending, perceived learning and enjoyment were sent to participants. Agreement with statements was measured on a 10-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 10 = strongly agree). RESULTS Eighteen trainees participated. The most cited reason for attending was for learning and/or education (61 per cent), with most attendees (72 per cent) believing that competition encourages more reading and/or practice. Seventeen attendees (94 per cent) believed Voxel-Man TempoSurg-based simulation would help to improve intra-operative performance in mastoidectomy (mean 7.83 ± 1.47, p < 0.001) and understanding of anatomy (mean 8.72 ± 1.13, p < 0.001). All participants rated the competition as 'fun' and 83 per cent believed the competitive element added to this. CONCLUSION The virtual reality temporal bone competition is a novel educational approach within otolaryngology that was positively received by otolaryngology trainees.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Yao
- ENT Department, Worcester Royal Hospital, Worcester, UK
| | - Emma Richards
- ENT Department, Princess Royal Hospital, Telford, UK
| | - C Lucy Dalton
- ENT Department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| |
Collapse
|