A simple and convenient 3D printed temporal bone model for drilling simulating surgery.

BACKGROUND: It is still far away from most of us in that it requires complex 3D modeling. AIMS/OBJECTIVES: To investigate a more precision, simple, convenient and economical three-dimensional (3D) printed temporal bone model printed by a commercial desktop 3D printer, which can be widely promoted and applied in the training of beginners in otology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The CT data of the temporal bone were imported into Mimics to construct a 3D digital model of the temporal bone. After loaded into a high-precision 3D printer, a high-precision temporal bone model was printed at a scale of 1:1. Then, the model was evaluated by 5 senior attending physicians, including its morphological accuracy, simulation about surgery, advantages and educational value, using the 7-point Likert scale. RESULTS: A life-like temporal bone model was successfully printed out. Five senior attending physicians all thought that the printed model was similar to the natural temporal bone in physical properties and the haptic sensation of bone drilling, and was accurate, simple, convenient and effective. In addition, the model was considered to be of high application value in the teaching of temporal bone anatomy and surgery simulation, which had a material cost of only 3 dollars. CONCLUSIONS: The high-precision 3D printed temporal bone model is highly similar to the natural temporal bone, and can be conveniently and effectively used in the training of simulating temporal bone surgery for beginners in otology. Its production is simple and economical, so it can be popularized on a large scale.

A novel three-dimensional-printed paranasal sinus-skull base anatomical model.

PURPOSE: A novel precision three-dimensional (3D)-printed paranasal sinus-skull base anatomical model was generated with a commercial grade desktop 3D printer. A specific page-turning pattern was employed in this model, to display the internal spatial structure of the paranasal sinus. METHODS: The CT image data of paranasal sinus were imported into the Mimics software to construct a 3D digital paranasal sinus-skull base model. Then, the model was sliced in the coronal position and loaded into the 3D printer to print each slice of the paranasal sinus-skull base model at a ratio of 1:1 in size. Based on CT image data, nine senior doctors assessed the simulation and accuracy of the anatomical structure features of the paranasal sinus-skull base, and the advantages and educational value of the 3D printing model using a seven-point Likert scale. RESULTS: A life-like 3D paranasal sinus-skull base structural model was successfully printed, with its internal spatial details clearly displayed. Nine senior doctors all thought that the profile of the printed anatomical structure was similar to that displayed by CT scan; however, the model provided more 3D spatial visual information. In addition, the model was considered to be of great value in the anatomy teaching and complicated surgery of the paranasal sinus-skull base, which had a material cost of only 3 dollars. CONCLUSIONS: The 3D printed paranasal sinus-skull base model has 3D visual functions, which provides a novel tool for anatomical studies on paranasal sinus, resident training, pre-surgical education and surgical planning.