Researchers published their findings in PLOS Medicine.
Here are 5 things to know:
1. Using free/libre/open-source software and desktop 3D printing technologies, researchers were able to construct the $13, patient-specific neuraxial phantom. The phantom took 25 hours to print and two hours to assemble.
2. Researchers used a CT data set of the human torso to create a 3D model of the lumbar spine, which was then modified and placed inside a digitally designed housing unit and formulated on a desktop 3D printer using polylactic acid filament.
3. The model was filled with an echogenic comprised of gelatin and psyllium fiber.
4. To compare the 3D-printed phantom’s effectiveness to a commercially available Simulab phantom, 22 staff anesthesiologists performed spinal and epidural procedures on each model.
5. Participants rated each model’s tactile and imaging fidelity, and the results were as follows:
• Surface palpitation — slightly higher for Simulab phantom
• Soft-tissue resistance to needle — no significant difference
• Ligamentum flavum resistance — significantly higher for 3D printed phantom
• Dural puncture — significantly higher for 3D printed phantom
• Loss of resistance — significantly higher 3D printed phantom
Ultrasound images from the 3D-printed phantom were preferred by most participants.
Researchers noted three limitations of the 3D-printed phantom:
• the lack of realism in surface palpitation due to the softness of the gelatin solution used
• the perishable nature of the gelatin and psyllium created the time-consuming process of repeatedly making a new batch of gelatin
• needle track marks persisted in the models after each use
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