3D-Printed Pediatric Endoscopic Ear Surgery Simulator for Surgical Training

Abstract Introduction Surgical simulators are designed to improve operative skills and ensure patient safety. Transcanal Endoscopic Ear Surgery (TEES) is a relatively new surgical approach with a slow learning curve due to one-handed dissection. A reusable and customizable 3-dimensional (3D)-printed endoscopic ear surgery simulator may facilitate the development of surgical skills with high fidelity and low cost. Herein, we aim to design , fabricate, and test a low-cost and reusable 3D-printed TEES simulator. Methods The TEES simulator was designed in computer-aided design (CAD) software using anatomic measurements taken from anthropometric studies. Cross sections from external auditory canal samples were traced as vectors and serially combined into a mesh construct. A modified tympanic cavity with a modular testing platform for simulator tasks was incorporated. Components were fabricated using calcium sulfate hemihydrate powder and multiple colored infiltrants via a commercial inkjet 3D-printing service. Results All components of a left-sided ear were printed to scale. Six right-handed trainees completed three trials each. Mean trial time (n=3) ranged from 23.03-62.77 seconds in the dominant hand for all subjects. Statistically significant differences between first and last completion time with the dominant hand (p