Systematic Review of 3D-Printed Ultrasound-able Models in Graduate Medical Education

J Ultrasound Med. 2025 Apr;44(4):595-603. doi: 10.1002/jum.16624. Epub 2024 Dec 3.

Abstract

This systematic review aimed to identify studies that have created ultrasound-able models for resident procedural training by means of 3D-printing techniques and examine their tissue specific properties. There were 456 articles identified from 3 databases, of which, 35 studies were assessed for eligibility, and 11 total studies were included. All qualitative studies showed improvements in procedural skills and 89% of the quantitative studies showed significant results. Studies that documented modeling price showed a 90% reduction in fabrication cost compared to commercial models. Three-dimensional-printed, ultrasound-able models have the potential to provide trainees with low-cost, high-fidelity training opportunities.

Keywords: 3D printing; anthropomorphic phantom; graduate medical education; simulation‐based medical education; ultrasound.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Competence
  • Education, Medical, Graduate* / methods
  • Humans
  • Internship and Residency
  • Models, Anatomic*
  • Printing, Three-Dimensional*
  • Ultrasonography / methods