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. 2024 Aug 22;3(1):193-199.
doi: 10.1016/j.atssr.2024.07.031. eCollection 2025 Mar.

Three-Dimensional Printed Model of the Mediastinum for Cardiothoracic Surgery Resident Education

Catherine T Byrd  1 , Winston L Trope  1 , H Henry Guo  2 , Kyle Gifford  2 , Prasha Bhandari  1 , Jalen Benson  1 , Douglas Z Liou  1 , Leah M Backhus  1 , Mark F Berry  1 , Joseph B Shrager  1 , Natalie S Lui  1
Affiliations

Three-Dimensional Printed Model of the Mediastinum for Cardiothoracic Surgery Resident Education

Catherine T Byrd et al. Ann Thorac Surg Short Rep. .

Abstract

Background: Mediastinoscopy remains an important component of lung cancer staging. The development of endobronchial ultrasonography has meant residents perform fewer mediastinoscopies. We hypothesized that a 3-dimensional printed model of the mediastinum would be an effective tool for teaching residents the anatomy and techniques for mediastinoscopy.

Methods: A color model of the mediastinum was 3-dimensionally printed based on segmented computed tomographic images. For 2 years, residents and attendings were asked to provide a skills assessment after every mediastinoscopy. During the second year, all residents received standardized instruction for mediastinoscopy using the 3-dimensional model. Skills assessments were compared between the residents taught with and without the 3-dimensional model.

Results: There were 49 resident and 65 attending surveys completed. Residents taught with the 3-dimensional model were more likely to answer that they could identify normal anatomy "well"/"very well" compared with residents taught without the model (86% vs 52%, P = .015). Residents taught with the 3-dimensional model more frequently answered they were able to perform an uncomplicated mediastinoscopy "well"/ "very well" (59% vs 31%, P = .079) compared with residents taught without the 3-dimensional model, although this was not significant. Attendings were equally likely to answer "well"/"very well" that residents taught with the 3-dimensional model could identify normal anatomy (52% vs 55%, P > .99) and perform an uncomplicated mediastinoscopy (48% vs 43%, P = .79) compared with those taught without the model.

Conclusions: A 3-dimensional printed model of the mediastinum may be an effective tool for teaching mediastinoscopy.

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Figures

None
Graphical abstract
Figure
Figure
(A) Anteroposterior view of the mediastinal model with the sternum removed and (B) right lateral view of the model with the mediastinoscope in place. (C) Instruction using the mediastinal model. (D) A view into the printed mediastinum using the mediastinoscope shows the pink innominate artery, blue pulmonary arteries, white trachea, and green lymph nodes. (E) Preoperative review with the attending.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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