3D Printed Surgical simulators
In the fall of 2019 we were approached by Dr. Payton Schmidt from Michigan Medicine. Dr. Schmidt specializes in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. Her research team at Michigan Medicine had developed a surgical simulator to train residents the basic skills needed for pelvic surgery. The team had developed a device that used 3D Printed parts, hinges, magnets, and cast silicone components. The purpose of the device was to provide a low-fidelity simulation experience in an adjustable environment. The desk mounted simulator included both depth and width restricting components as well as slots for inserting different simulated surgical materials.
Dr. Schmidt requested file revisions to further refine the device. We went over the main goals of her redesign which included creating a more user-friendly device that could be easily adjusted for different simulations and different angles. In addition to the ergonomic and aesthetic revisions Dr. Schmidt wanted to include a viewing window and phone mount in order to record training sessions using a cell phone. Film review can be a valuable tool in both real-time and during post-training analysis for better understanding techniques and making improvements.
In the fall of 2019 we were approached by Dr. Payton Schmidt from Michigan Medicine. Dr. Schmidt specializes in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. Her research team at Michigan Medicine had developed a surgical simulator to train residents the basic skills needed for pelvic surgery. The team had developed a device that used 3D Printed parts, hinges, magnets, and cast silicone components. The purpose of the device was to provide a low-fidelity simulation experience in an adjustable environment. The desk mounted simulator included both depth and width restricting components as well as slots for inserting different simulated surgical materials.
After months of collaboration and iteration with Dr. Schmidt we produced the final prototype. The device included three modular parts that allowed depth extension and width restriction. We included microsuction tape on the bottom of the unit and large flat wings so the piece could either be suctioned to the table or clamped. The phone mount included an existing gooseneck arm and a 3D printed, spring loaded phone gripper that was designed to accommodate most cell phones. Each unit was composed of over 20 components.
Since the development of this final prototype, Dr Schmidt has been the primary investigator spearheading further research and development on the FVS simulation system. The FVS simulation model and associated research on its use and implementation has been presented at the Society of Gynecologic Society annual scientific meeting in 2019 and 2021 as well as at the International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare in 2019. The research pilot study was awarded the SGS David H. Nichols Award, Best Vaginal Surgery Presentation in 2021 and the findings from a pilot study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.1 The FVS simulation research has been funded by a grant from the University of Michigan Clinical Simulation Center in 2018-2019.
Dr Schmidt and her team are starting a multi-institutional trial investigating the use of the FVS simulation models for training Obstetrics and Gynecology residents (this study is currently funded by the University of Michigan Graduate Medical Education Innovations grant). In 2021 we created 30 task trainers for this on-going trial. It was a pleasure working on a project that will contribute to the training of doctors around the country.
FVS demonstration videos can be accessed at: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8395639
Questions about the FVS simulation system? Contact Payton Schmidt at payton@med.umich.edu
Reference:
Schmidt PC, Fairchild PS, Fenner DE, Rooney DM. The Fundamentals of Vaginal Surgery pilot study: developing, validating, and setting proficiency scores for a vaginal surgical skills simulation system. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2021 Nov;225(5):558.e1-558.e11.