3D printed chest wall: A tool for advanced microsurgical training simulating depth and limited view
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Papavasiliou, Theodora
Ubong, Sonia
Khajuria, Ankur
Chatzimichail, Stelios
Chan, Jeffery
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap has become the free flap of choice for
autologous breast reconstruction. However, anastomoses of DIEP pedicles to internal
mammary vessels in the chest wall are difficult due to restricted access and the depth of the
vessels. Successful performance of such demanding procedures necessitates advanced
requirements for microsurgical training models. The current chicken thigh model has been used
to acquire microsurgical skills, allowing early learning curve trainees to practice repeatedly
in inconsequential environments. Despite the increasing use of this model for training purposes,
the resemblance to a clinical environment is tenuous. Such models should include anastomosis
practice within the depth where the recipient vessels are located. To address this, we developed
a 3-dimensional (3D) printed chest wall as an addition to the current chicken thigh model, that
reliably mimics the complexity of the anastomosis performed during
DIEP breast reconstruction. This form of rapid prototyping facilitates a newfound ability for
early learning curve trainees to exercise end-to-end anastomoses on vessels located with
variable depths. Our enhancement of the current chicken thigh model is simple, cost-effective
and offers a significantly more resemblance to a clinical situation.
autologous breast reconstruction. However, anastomoses of DIEP pedicles to internal
mammary vessels in the chest wall are difficult due to restricted access and the depth of the
vessels. Successful performance of such demanding procedures necessitates advanced
requirements for microsurgical training models. The current chicken thigh model has been used
to acquire microsurgical skills, allowing early learning curve trainees to practice repeatedly
in inconsequential environments. Despite the increasing use of this model for training purposes,
the resemblance to a clinical environment is tenuous. Such models should include anastomosis
practice within the depth where the recipient vessels are located. To address this, we developed
a 3-dimensional (3D) printed chest wall as an addition to the current chicken thigh model, that
reliably mimics the complexity of the anastomosis performed during
DIEP breast reconstruction. This form of rapid prototyping facilitates a newfound ability for
early learning curve trainees to exercise end-to-end anastomoses on vessels located with
variable depths. Our enhancement of the current chicken thigh model is simple, cost-effective
and offers a significantly more resemblance to a clinical situation.
Date Issued
2021-09
Date Acceptance
2021-07-12
Citation
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, 2021, 9 (9), pp.1-3
ISSN
2169-7574
Publisher
Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
Start Page
1
End Page
3
Journal / Book Title
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open
Volume
9
Issue
9
Copyright Statement
© 2021 The Authors. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health,
Inc. on behalf of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This
is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative
Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives License 4.0
(CCBY-NC-ND), where it is permissible to download and share the
work provided it is properly cited. The work cannot be changed in
any way or used commercially without permission from the journal.
Inc. on behalf of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This
is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative
Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives License 4.0
(CCBY-NC-ND), where it is permissible to download and share the
work provided it is properly cited. The work cannot be changed in
any way or used commercially without permission from the journal.
Identifier
https://journals.lww.com/prsgo/Fulltext/2021/09000/3D_Printed_Chest_Wall__A_Tool_for_Advanced.20.aspx
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2021-09