Rapid production and low cost of 3D-printed haptic training models for cricothyroidotomy

Abstract

Emergency front-of-neck access (eFONA) using cricothyrotomy is the final step (Plan D) in the Difficult Airway Society (DAS) difficult intubation algorithm.1 Although rare, it has been classed as one of 44 essential surgical procedures, and thus procedural competence is of utmost importance.2 Current training models are limited by poor anatomical fidelity, high cost, and more recently, limited availability. The authors have developed and recently tested a number of rapidly prototyped 3D-printed and silicone-finished mimetic training models designed in the preferred head extension position and containing important anatomical landmarks, offering the trainee a haptic feedback simulation of the procedure.