A Surgical Simulator for Tympanostomy Tube Insertion Incorporating Capacitive Sensing Technology to Track Instrument Placement

We describe a device engineered for realistic simulation of myringotomy and tympanostomy tube insertion that tracks instrument placement and objectively measures operator proficiency. A 3-dimensional computer model of the external ear and cartilaginous external auditory canal was created from a norm...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery 2020-03, Vol.162 (3), p.343-345
Main Authors: Vaitaitis, Vilija J., Dunham, Michael E., Kwon, Yong-Chan, Mayer, Wyatt C., Evans, Adele K., Baker, Amari J., Walker, Kyla D., Cespedes, Gabriel D., Stanley, Abishek, Opiri, Michelle
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
3D printing
capacitive sensing
surgical simulator
surgical training
tympanostomy tube
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Summary:We describe a device engineered for realistic simulation of myringotomy and tympanostomy tube insertion that tracks instrument placement and objectively measures operator proficiency. A 3-dimensional computer model of the external ear and cartilaginous external auditory canal was created from a normal maxillofacial computed tomography scan, and models for the bony external auditory canal and tympanic cavity were created with computer-aided design software. Physical models were 3-dimensionally printed from the computer reconstructions. The external auditory canal and tympanic cavity surfaces were coated with conductive material and wired to a capacitive sensor interface. A programmable microcontroller with custom embedded software completed the system. Construct validation was completed by comparing the run times and total sensor contact times of otolaryngology faculty and residents.
ISSN:0194-5998
1097-6817
DOI:10.1177/0194599820901684