Simulation-based training has rapidly grown to provide learners with high fidelity environments for developing and improving technical skills. However, accessibility of surgical simulators can be limited for learners despite a strong belief in its importance during training.1 We aimed to develop a cost-effective, reusable, and modular 3D-printed surgical simulator that enables technical skills development throughout a continuum of operative modules.
Our team utilized computer-aided design software and 3-D printing to create a multi-component, modular surgical skills simulator with input from faculty surgeons. The total cost for materials to produce this simulator was under $12 USD. The module evaluated in this study aims to prepare medical students to knot-tie into cavities of varying depths, including at surface level, 35mm, and 70mm. Students were recruited to participate in a knot-tying session, use the simulator, and subsequently complete a survey evaluating its educational usability and utility.
Sixteen medical students (10 fourth-year, 4 third-year, and 2 first-year students) completed the survey. Prior to simulator use, 68.8% (n = 11) of participants did not feel adequately prepared to tie surgical knots into a cavity. Many participants expressed agreement about the usefulness of the model for knot-tying practice (100%, n = 16), its beneficial progression of knot-tying cavities (93.8% , n = 15) , and ease of use (100%, n = 16). All participants reported improved confidence in knot-tying into cavities after simulator use and that they would continue to use the simulator to practice their ability to tie surgical knots into cavities.
Medical students found this modular 3D-printed model to be an effective way to practice and refine technical skills necessary for surgical knot tying. Importantly, this simulator design allows for further development of training modules aimed at teaching students a breadth of surgical techniques. These design features increase the longevity of the simulator as new modules with improved simulations can be added without the need to alter the core base components. Future endeavors include continued validation of this model with a broader cohort of users, including surgical trainees, and development of new modules to train critical surgical skills.
1. Nicholas R, Humm G, MacLeod KE, et al. Simulation in surgical training: Prospective cohort study of access, attitudes and experiences of surgical trainees in the UK and Ireland. Int J Surg. 2019;67:94-100. doi:10.1016/j.ijsu.2019.04.004.
Figure. Isometric rendering of the surgical skills simulator (A). Survey results evaluating the knot-tying module’s usability, educational utility, and feasibility (B).