Development of a 3D-printed nuchal translucency model: a pilot study for prenatal ultrasound training.
Arch Gynecol Obstet
; 310(4): 2055-2064, 2024 10.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38796557
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
We used two 3D ultrasound volumes of fetal heads at 13 weeks to create live-size 3D-printed phantoms with a view to training or assessment of diagnostic abilities for normal and abnormal nuchal translucency measurements. The phantoms are suitable for use in a water bath, imitating a real-life exam. They were then used to study measurement accuracy and reproducibility in examiners of different skill levels.METHODS:
Ultrasound scans of a 13 + 0-week fetus were processed using 3D Slicer software, producing a stereolithography file for 3D printing. The model, crafted in Autodesk Fusion360™, adhered to FMF guidelines for NT dimensions (NT 2.3 mm). Additionally, a model with pathologic NT was designed (NT 4.2 mm). Printing was performed via Formlabs Form 3® printer using High Temp Resin V2. The externally identical looking 3D models were embedded in water-filled condoms for ultrasound examination. Eight specialists of varying expertise levels conducted five NT measurements for each model, classifying them in physiological and abnormal models.RESULTS:
Classification of the models in physiological or abnormal NT resulted in a detection rate of 100%. Average measurements for the normal NT model and the increased NT model were 2.27 mm (SD ± 0.38) and 4.165 mm (SD ± 0.51), respectively. The interrater reliability was calculated via the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) which yielded a result of 0.883, indicating robust agreement between the raters. Cost-effectiveness analysis demonstrated the economical nature of the 3D printing process.DISCUSSION:
This study underscores the potential of 3D printed fetal models for enhancing ultrasound training through high inter-rater reliability, consistency across different expert levels, and cost-effectiveness. Limitations, including population variability and direct translation to clinical outcomes, warrant further exploration. The study contributes to ongoing discussions on integrating innovative technologies into medical education, offering a practical and economical method to acquire, refine and revise diagnostic skills in prenatal ultrasound. Future research should explore broader applications and long-term economic implications, paving the way for transformative advancements in medical training and practice.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Medida de Translucencia Nucal
/
Impresión Tridimensional
Límite:
Female
/
Humans
/
Pregnancy
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Arch Gynecol Obstet
Asunto de la revista:
GINECOLOGIA
/
OBSTETRICIA
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Alemania
Pais de publicación:
Alemania