3D-Printing in Otolaryngology Practice: Where Simulation Meets Patient Care

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: 3D Printing has become a powerful tool in many industries, and medicine is no exception. The costs associated with the process have decreased rapidly in recent years, and advances in imaging and modeling software have made the process more user-friendly. Nonetheless, the prospect of learning the 3D printing process can be daunting to a busy clinician, and many otolaryngologists rely on hospital-based or industry-based 3D planning and printing services. In this session, the instructors will teach participants how to take patient-specific imaging and turn it into a 3D printed model for the purposes of surgical planning, patient counseling, and simulation education - without the use of professional services. Using free, open-source software, participants will use their own laptop computers to turn their preferred portion of a real patient CT scan into a 3D model format that can be printed with a relatively low-cost hobbyist 3D printer. Time and resources permitting, participants will get to see their 3D printed model either during this session or at the Simulation Showcase. Our goal is to demystify the process of 3D printing and demonstrate that otolaryngologists in all settings can use the technology to improve patient care. Our instructors include experts who have successfully integrated 3D printing into their educational and clinical practices. Our instructors will share their experiences and provide best practices on using 3D printed models to counsel patients and prepare clinical teams for surgery. Special emphasis will be placed on using 3D models to explain complex anatomical concepts and procedures to patients with limited health literacy and/or language barriers. Participants will have the option of using de-identified imaging from one of their own patients if they bring the appropriate files and coordinate with instructors ahead of the session.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Create a 3D printed model based on patient-specific CT imaging using low-cost resources

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Integrate 3D printing into clinical practice through preoperative surgical planning and patient counseling

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Develop simulators and simulation curricula using 3D printed models and collaboration with locally available experts and resources

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: Need to demystify and democratize 3D printing as a clinical and educational tool and enable otolaryngologists in all specialties and practice settings to leverage the technology for teaching and patient care.