Work

An affordable and optimized 3D biomodel for sinonasal surgery training

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To develop and evaluate the anatomical accuracy and haptic fidelity of an affordable kit consisting of a silicone head, a foam support, and a 3D-printed biomodel of the paranasal sinuses for surgical training. METHODS: This single-center, technological, and interventional study detailed the development of a human sinus biomodel. Its anatomical and haptic evaluation was conducted by ten senior rhinologists, who performed 37 standard surgical tasks. Participants rated similarity to fresh cadaveric dissection on a 5-point Likert scale. Computed tomographic images were converted into a standard tessellation file through a combination of automatic and manual segmentation. This file was then used in a 3D printer to create the biomodel, which was customized with a red silicone coating to emulate mucosa, as well as silicone-insulated wire and acrylic yarn to simulate arteries and nerves. The model was mounted onto a silicone head and foam support, with a total production cost of US$ 43.37. RESULTS: The similarity of anatomic landmarks scored a mean above 4.0 ± SD on both sides. The lacrimal bone drilling/debulking procedure was somewhat suboptimal for exposing the lacrimal sac, scoring a mean of 3.1 ± 1.04 on the left side but 4.3 ± 0.64 on the right. Likewise, uncinectomy was rated 3.4 ± 1.02 on the left and 3.7 ± 0.90 on the right, while the periorbit incision received scores of 3.5 ± 0.92 on the left and 4.5 ± 0.50 on the right. All other steps received ratings above 4.0 ± SD. CONCLUSION: This study presents a fully reproducible and cost-effective method for constructing a 3D sinus biomodel. The model demonstrated high anatomical and haptic fidelity, as validated by senior rhinologists, making it a valuable tool for surgical training in sinonasal procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Level 2 evidence.

Source: Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology

DOI: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2025.101750

Authors: Marcelo Augusto Antonio, Sergio Lopes Fernandes Ramos, Fernando Augusto Lima Marson, Mariana Dalbo Contrera Toro, Eulalia Sakano

Institutions: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Universidade São Francisco

Language: English

Topic: Anatomy and Medical Technology

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,070