156 - Improving Medical Education with 3D Printing

Poster Board Number: 156
There are separate poster presentation times for odd and even posters.
Odd poster #s – first hour
Even poster #s – second hour

Co-authors:

Jonathan Wang - Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences; Rodrigo Mateo, M.D. - Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences; Maria Leighton, M.D. - Surgery - Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences; Elizabeth Maynes, M.D., M.A. - Surgery - Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences; Keiko Meshida, Ph.D. - Surgery - Henry Jackson Foundation / USUHS; Kerrie Lashley, M.S. - Surgery - Henry Jackson Foundation / USUHS; Jordan Dimitrakoff, M.D., Ph.D. - Surgery - Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences; Teresa Buescher, M.D. - Surgery - Henry Jackson Foundation / USUHS; Joanne Lenert, M.D. - Henry Jackson Foundation / USUHS; Yolanda Roth, M.D. - Henry Jackson Foundation / USUHS; Guinevere Granite, M.S., M.A., Ph.D. - Director of Human Anatomy, Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Abstract Body : Introduction and Objective
3D printing has played a major role in accelerating innovation in numerous fields, including medical education. Its accessibility to more diverse institutions grows as increasingly powerful 3D printers emerge at more affordable prices. This fact paired with the accessibility to software allows for quick access to self-created prototypes. We would like to apply 3D printing to medical education by developing a pelvis model with 3D printed ligaments. Although commercial models exist, the benefits of institution-created 3D printing includes quick, low cost production of anatomical parts that are easily customizable to different sizes and material types, reproducible, gaining parts assembly experience, and student-faculty collaboration.

Materials and Methods
The process of 3D printing ligaments involves first producing a 3D printing of a pelvis model in a material such as flexible polylactic acid (PLA) or Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). Secondly, the ligaments are shaped considering the specific anatomical features of the pelvis model with the potential to use flexible PLA sheets, followed by a 3D scan of the ligaments. This process allows converting the physical ligament into a 3D printing file and if needed, a computer-aided design software is used for modeling. A slicer software is then used to convert the file into G-code, which makes the file readable by the 3D printer. Then, the actual 3D printing process begins.

Results
Objectives of this project include low-cost production, customizable designs, reproducibility, and quick access to information. Even though no mass production has been done, there will be low-cost benefits as we estimate one final pelvis model with ligaments will cost about $50, compared to commercial models that cost in the range of $300-600. This will allow for producing multiple models that help facilitate the learning process as more models per student are available. The models will be easily reproducible with accurate anatomy and students can 3D print anatomy parts as needed without the need to go through a purchasing and shipping process. We could also implement different types of learning such as fixed models but also individual anatomical parts that students can assemble as they learn each part.

Conclusion
This process will facilitate and customize the learning process, as well as provide time-limited medical and graduate students quick access to information.

Significance/Implication
We plan to begin with making six pelvis models available. Upon implementation of the project, we can reproduce the process to other body sections. The goal is for the end-user at the anatomy lab to be able to print ready files and reproduce the ligaments and other anatomical parts as needed.

Funding Resources
There are no funding resources.