A Novel Low-Cost, Open-Source, Three-Dimensionally Printed Thyroplasty Simulator.
Julianna C Kostas, Mark Lee, Anaïs Rameau
PMID 38036381WHAT IT FOUND
Eight laryngology experts rated a new low-cost 3D-printed thyroplasty simulator highly for educational value and overall worth.
They found it useful for practicing vocal fold medialization, though silicone elasticity and sex-specific anatomy need refinement.
Key findings
01Experts rated the simulator highly for educational and overall value, with scores consistently above 4.0 on a 5-point scale.
02The simulator was rated moderately for anatomic fidelity, with raters noting issues with silicone elasticity and lack of pathologic variations.
03The total material cost per larynx model was $4.09, using a $189 printer and $79.99 borescope.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they found
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What it does not show
The study only assessed expert opinion on the simulator's design, not whether it actually improves trainee surgical skills. The sample of evaluators was small (eight experts). The simulator does not account for sex-specific dimensional differences in thyroid cartilage anatomy. The silicone materials did not fully match the elasticity of human soft tissue.
Declared interests
One author owns equity in Perceptron Health, Inc. and is a medical advisor for Savorease, Inc. The authors state these interests are unrelated to the study.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume this simulator has been proven to improve surgical outcomes or trainee competence. It was only rated highly by experts for its educational value and face validity, not tested in a prospective trial of trainees.
Summarised by AI from the full paper, without a clinician reviewing it. Check it against the source before it changes what you do. Read it on PubMed →