Use of a 3D printed, color-coded airway model for bronchoscopy training and anatomy learning

Abstract

Aim: Tracheobronchial anatomy for bronchoscopy education is challenging. 3D printing (3DP) is a promising technology to design bronchoscopy simulators. Materials & m ethods: We created a 3DP tracheobronchial model and color-coded the airways to train first-year pulmonary fellows. A pre- and post-test, practical test and post-test questionnaires were used to evaluate the curriculum implementation. Results: For six fellows the pre- and post-test mean score improved from 11.5/22 (SD = ±1.71) to 16.2/22 (SD = ±2.79). Practical testing mean was 34.5/54 (SD = ±5.82). Questionnaires rated the 3DP model favorably. Conclusion: Our pilot curriculum using a color-coded 3DP model demonstrated improvement in airway identification with favorable ratings by fellows. We posit conceptual frameworks in play and how we address them in future models.