Recent advancements in 3D technology have significantly expanded its application in various surgical contexts within clinical practice and graduate and postgraduate medical education. This technology is utilized for diagnosis, treatment planning, treatment simulation, and has proven to be effective in enhancing practical education and medical training.
A recent feasibility pilot study, as published in BMC Medical Education, focused on the efficacy of a 3D printable hands-on surgical training tool (HOSTT) for simulating coarctation surgery. The study aimed to explore the role of 3D technology in practical education and training for congenital coarctation and its related treatment.
Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a congenital disease with significant prevalence, making proper education on its treatment crucial. Understanding the disease and its wide array of treatment options often presents challenges. To address this, additive manufacturing technology has been utilized to produce 3D printed hands-on surgical training tools (HOSTT) for the education and practical training of CoA.
The study involved medical students from Semmelweis University, spanning from the second to the sixth academic year. A virtual 3D model of the aorta with CoA was created from a computed tomography angiography scan. Each participant received a 3D-printed aorta phantom and performed one of four surgical treatment modalities. Subsequently, participants evaluated their understanding of the disease and its treatment based on the surgical reconstruction modalities before and after the sessions using a seven-point Likert scale.
The results of the study demonstrated a statistically significant enhancement in participants’ average understanding levels of CoA disease and its treatment options post-practical training. Their comprehension of coarctation localization and the various surgical treatment options also substantially improved following the training.
In conclusion, the study found that the 3D printable HOSTT, manufactured using 3D printing technology, was effective in the practical training of CoA’s surgical treatment methods for medical students. It underscored the potential of 3D technology in enriching practical medical education and training, particularly in complex surgical procedures such as coarctation treatment.
In summary, this study provides valuable insights into the role of 3D technology in practical medical education and its potential to enhance the understanding and training of medical students in complex surgical procedures. The use of 3D technology in medical education shows promise in enhancing the practical skills of medical professionals and, ultimately, improving patient care and outcomes.