We validated the Cricothyroidotomy Simulator together with professors from the University of Valparaiso.
Last Monday, August 2, the Advanced Airway Workshop 2021 was organized by the Postgraduate Specialization Programs in Anesthesiology and Otolaryngology of the University of Valparaiso, where the clinical fidelity of 3D models was compared with biological models (pig larynxes) for the performance of a surgical access to the airway as part of the teaching and learning strategies of the cricothyrotomy technique to postgraduate students.
Since 2019, Plan 3D and a team of teachers of the Airway Rotation of the specialty of Anesthesiology, led by Dr. Carlos Narvaez, have been working collaboratively to develop a clinical simulation model that reproduces in a real way and provides the best conditions for learning this technique.
The development of the model:
The 3D model corresponds to a representation of the trachea, larynx and surrounding soft tissues of the human anatomy. These anatomical structures were obtained from imaging studies of real patients, which were then segmented and edited in conjunction with the expert clinical teachers to obtain a 3D print.
In addition, a fitting and fastening system was designed to make the parts interchangeable and easy to use.
In order to implement and validate the 3D model, a low-fidelity clinical simulation workshop was held. In this instance, the 2nd and 3rd year students of the specialties of Anesthesiology and Otorhinolaryngology were trained in the technique of surgical cricothyrotomy through different programmed stations.
Simultaneously, 3D and ex vivo pig models were subjected to comparison, evaluating the individual characteristics and the performance of the technique.
“We have learned to work in a multidisciplinary way (Anesthesiology and Otorhinolaryngology). On this occasion we had the opportunity to interact with professionals from the Plan 3D group, who work on three-dimensional designs according to medical-surgical needs. Both for teaching and for facilitating surgical plans for patients in complex clinical cases. It has been both a learning experience and a challenge to participate with this team of professionals.
I must mention the Anesthesiologists, Drs. Verónica Maureira M, Sofía Zuñiga, Nathalie López who participated in this work and the support of Dr. Fernando Aranda in his capacity as Chair of Anesthesiology. In addition, we would like to thank Dr. Cristián Papuzinski, Otorhinolaryngologist, for his collaborative work from his discipline to our work”.
Dr. Carlos Narvaez Moreno, Anesthesiologist, Adjunct Professor, Chief of Airway Rotation, Chair of Anesthesiology, Universidad de Valparaíso.
“As Plan 3D, we are very satisfied with the collaborative work with the professors of Valparaiso University. The academics have been pioneers in daring to co-design and contribute with their valuable experience to validate these simulation models. We already have new projects in mind that we are sure will be a great success, just like this cricothyroidotomy model”, comments Carolina Chávez, Director of Plan 3D.
The clinical experience and results will be presented soon at the Chilean Congress of Anesthesiology.
The Plan 3D team and the teachers of the airway rotation of the Chair of Anesthesiology at the University of Valparaiso have demonstrated that multidisciplinary work is essential to innovate and thus support health professionals to improve the quality of care and patient safety.
