Development of a Low Budget 3D Printed Otolaryngology Simulator: The New Advance in Medical Education

Introduction: Medical imaging has been improving since its beginning in order to achieve better definitions so that health professionals could make a better diagnosis and surgery preparation [1]. Today we can use two-dimensional improvements to create three-dimensions (3D) visualizations [2]. Our project consisted in taking a step forward and developing an anatomically precise 3D model using an open-source database and open-source software combined with 3D printing. Methods: The project utilized computed tomography (CT) data, then processed and segmented it using the 3D Slice software to generate components exported as STL. The resulting components were improved in 3D modeling software to recreate the nasal structures based on anatomical proportions. Results: The nasal model was printed in polylactic acid (PLA) and tested by an experienced Otolaryngology (ORL) surgery fellow who confirmed the accuracy of the model using visual and endoscopic examination. Conclusion: The investigation demonstrated that this type of modeling and process is possible and could be transferable to any other part of the body using open-source CT data, 3D Slicer software, and 3D printing. Even though the material properties were not correlated with the real ones, we consider that the approach can be taken and used as a foundation for applications in anatomical teaching, surgical planning, and education. Demonstrating that accessible and open-source tools opened up opportunities for advancements in medical education with low budgets.