Valerie Cote1, Marissa Schwartz2, Jose F Arbouin Vargas3, Michael Canfarotta2, Katherine R Kavanagh3, Usama Hamdan4, Tulio A Valdez5. 1. Advocate Children's Hospital, Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Oak Lawn, IL, USA; Global Smile Foundation, Norwood, MA, USA. 2. University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Farmington, CT, USA. 3. Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hartford, CT, USA. 4. Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Global Smile Foundation, Norwood, MA, USA. 5. Stanford University, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford, CA, USA. Electronic address: Tvaldez1@stanford.edu.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Cleft palate is one of the most common congenital anomalies, yet surgical repair remains challenging and can lead to significant complications in the hands of inexperienced surgeons. There is a great need for the development of a simulation model that will allow surgeons worldwide to learn and practice the intricate skills needed for cleft palate surgery. OBJECTIVES: 1. To develop a low-cost incomplete cleft palate simulation model using additive manufacturing technology (3D printing). 2. To evaluate its validity and utility to teach palatoplasty in a global health care setting. METHODS: Three-dimensional models of a soft palate cleft and an incomplete hard and soft palate cleft were developed using 3D printing and silicone casting. The cost and time of assembly of the 3D printed models were calculated. The models were then assessed for validity by cleft surgeons and trainees during a cleft mission in Ecuador. 3D models were assessed for resemblance to anatomy and tissue characteristics, the ability to incise the soft tissue, dissect and reposition the palatal flaps, and the ease of suture placement. Models were rated using the Likeness to Human Tissue Scale. RESULTS: Cleft palate simulators were successfully developed using 3D printing and silicone casting. Participants reported that models provided a realistic representation of human anatomy and were adequate for novice surgeons to practice the procedure. The models were portable, low cost, and easily assembled. CONCLUSION: The use of 3D printed haptic simulation models for teaching and learning cleft palate repair techniques could enhance skill acquisition and possibly improve surgical outcomes. In outreach settings, it could help achieve local, sustainable comprehensive care for cleft palate patients.
INTRODUCTION:Cleft palate is one of the most common congenital anomalies, yet surgical repair remains challenging and can lead to significant complications in the hands of inexperienced surgeons. There is a great need for the development of a simulation model that will allow surgeons worldwide to learn and practice the intricate skills needed for cleft palate surgery. OBJECTIVES: 1. To develop a low-cost incomplete cleft palate simulation model using additive manufacturing technology (3D printing). 2. To evaluate its validity and utility to teach palatoplasty in a global health care setting. METHODS: Three-dimensional models of a soft palate cleft and an incomplete hard and soft palate cleft were developed using 3D printing and silicone casting. The cost and time of assembly of the 3D printed models were calculated. The models were then assessed for validity by cleft surgeons and trainees during a cleft mission in Ecuador. 3D models were assessed for resemblance to anatomy and tissue characteristics, the ability to incise the soft tissue, dissect and reposition the palatal flaps, and the ease of suture placement. Models were rated using the Likeness to Human Tissue Scale. RESULTS:Cleft palate simulators were successfully developed using 3D printing and silicone casting. Participants reported that models provided a realistic representation of human anatomy and were adequate for novice surgeons to practice the procedure. The models were portable, low cost, and easily assembled. CONCLUSION: The use of 3D printed haptic simulation models for teaching and learning cleft palate repair techniques could enhance skill acquisition and possibly improve surgical outcomes. In outreach settings, it could help achieve local, sustainable comprehensive care for cleft palatepatients.
Authors: Rami S Kantar; Allyson R Alfonso; Elie P Ramly; J Rodrigo Diaz-Siso; Corstiaan C Breugem; Roberto L Flores Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open Date: 2019-09-23