utilizing-3d-printed-laparoscopic-nissen-fundoplication-model-to

Utilizing a 3D Printed Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication Model to Shorten a Resident's Learning Curve

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) requires extensive training for surgical proficiency, with significant early learning curve complications. A ...

Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital

International Education College Zhejiang Chinese Medical University

Artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D printing will become technologies that profoundly impact humanity. 3D printing of patient-specific organ models is expected to replace animal carcasses, providing scenarios that simulate the surgical environment for preoperative training and educating patients to propose effective solutions. Due to the complexity of 3D printing manufacturing, it is still used on a small scale in clinical practice, and there are problems such as the low resolution of obtaining MRI/CT images, long consumption time, and insufficient realism. AI has been effectively used in 3D printing as a powerful problem-solving tool. This paper introduces 3D printed organ models, focusing on the idea of AI application in 3D printed manufacturing of organ models. Finally, the potential application of AI to 3D-printed organ models is discussed. Based on the synergy between AI and 3D printing that will benefit organ model manufacturing and facilitate clinical preoperative training in the medical field, the use of AI in 3D-printed organ model making is expected to become a reality.

Application of artificial intelligence in 3D printing physical organ models.

The evaluation of thyroid lesions through Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB) is a common procedure that requires advanced hand manipulation skills. Conventional training models for this procedure lack essential features such as tactile sensation and the ability to repeat punctures similar to those of real organs. To improve the quality of training, we have developed a hydrogel thyroid model that possesses features such as high-water retention and self-healing properties. This model consists of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyacrylic acid (PAA), and trehalose that enhance water retention. By utilizing indirect printing technology, this hydrogel-based thyroid model closely resembles those of porcine thyroid tissue in terms of compression modulus and friction coefficient, exhibiting exceptional conformability, flexibility, and a water retention rate of 94.7 % at 6 h. It also displays a thrust force range of 0-0.98 N during simulated puncture, closely approximating real FNAB operations. This model shows evidence that it effectively simulates thyroid tissue and can be utilized for repetitive FNAB training to enhance the proficiency of medical personnel. Our study focuses on introducing new possibilities for developing advanced materials training models to be utilized in the medical field.

A high-water retention, self-healing hydrogel thyroid model for surgical training.

Three-dimensional (3D) printed surgical models provide an excellent surgical training option to closely mimic real operations to teach medical students who currently rely largely on visual learning aided with simple suturing pads. There is an unmet need to create simple to complex surgical training programs suitable for medical students. A prospective cohort study was conducted on a group of 16 6th year students. They were randomly divided into two groups for suture training on a basic training pad or on unique 3D-printed intestinal anastomosis models. After 4 weeks of open and laparoscopic surgical training, exams were performed on the standardized 3D-printed model at the end of each stage to assess surgical performance including surgical time and scores. Both groups had similar skills before the start of each stage. In stage 1, both groups showed comparable learning performance, but the 3D model group performed better in Exam 1. In stage 2, the 3D model group took more time but showed significant improvements and outperformed the pad group in Exam 2 in both performance scores and time. Post-training questionnaires indicated increased interest in surgery and technical training among students using 3D models. Realistic 3D-printed models benefit surgical training, expected to become integral in teaching operative skills and techniques to medical students.

Article	Year
Application of artificial intelligence in 3D printing physical organ models. Materials today. Bio\| PubMed ID: 37746667	2023
A high-water retention, self-healing hydrogel thyroid model for surgical training. Materials today. Bio\| PubMed ID: 39624054	2024
A randomized cohort study on the use of 3D printed models to enhance surgical training in suturing techniques. Scientific reports\| PubMed ID: 39753693	2025

Sidney Moses Amadi

Biography

JoVE Journal Publications

Other Publications