3D-printed Models Research Articles

Integrating 3D technology with the Sampaio classification for enhanced percutaneous nephrolithotomy in complex renal calculi treatment.

To investigate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the treatment of complicated renal calculi by integrating three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) reconstruction with the Sampaio classification of the renal collecting system. Sixty-four consecutive patients with complex kidney calculi who underwent PCNL between January 2019 and October 2023 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into experimental group (3D printing) and control group (CT imaging) according to their willingness to pay for 3D imaging. Both groups underwent preoperative CT urography. The Digital Imaging and Communications (DICOM) in Medicine data of the experimental group from CT imaging were used for 3D reconstruction and model printing. Then, the Sampaio classification system was used to design the puncture channel and develop a surgical strategy. The 3D-printed models of the experimental group successfully displayed the Sampaio classification system. There was no significant difference in the baseline parameters between the groups. Compared with the control group, the experimental group exhibited significant improvements in the puncture time, number of puncture needles, number of puncture channels, target calyx consistency, number of first puncture channels, and stone clearance. There were no significant differences in the total operative time, decrease in the hemoglobin level, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications between the groups. Integration of 3D technology with the Sampaio classification of the renal collecting system can enhance the preoperative evaluation and planning of percutaneous renal access. This approach allows a more precise method of PCNL for treating complex renal calculi.

Integrated substrate and adsorbent layer additive manufacturing for asymmetrically operating minichannel adsorbent bed

Adsorption heat pumps (AHP) have conventionally used packed bed design, making their operation sluggish leading to difficulty in using heat for the adsorbent regeneration. While thin adsorbent coatings improve the performance of AHPs when implemented in microscale geometries like minichannels, integrating the adsorbent coating procedure into the scaled-up adsorbent bed manufacturing has been impractical because of the finite time required for the coating process. Meanwhile, separately coated plates manifest sealing issues. This research details an innovative avenue to fabricate a unified adsorbent bed integrated with thin adsorbent coatings. Here, a compact adsorbent bed was fabricated through the integration of additive manufacturing using a fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer for the substrate and resin curing for the MIL-101 (Cr) adsorbent layer. The multi-layered bed was designed to exchange heat between heat transfer fluid (HTF) and the passages through which the refrigerant vapor flows. The vapor channels were coated with a MIL-101 (Cr) adsorbent. The research incorporated both experiments and computational models to evaluate the operation of this adsorbent bed through the measurement of pressure during the adsorption and desorption stages for this component. Various HTF temperatures (80 °C − 90 °C) and flow rates (0.125 kg min−1 – 0.25 kg min -1) were tested. The findings revealed the much-desired asymmetrical operation with long adsorption (75–80 % of the cycle time) and short desorption stages (20 %-25 % of the cycle time), opening the possibility of employing a single bed in adsorption cooling systems to produce a near continuous cooling effect leading to more compact AHPs. The computational model developed for this test setup using MATLAB strongly aligned with experimental findings, with an error margin of 4–12 %.

Exploring the use of atmospheric freeze drying for dehydrating pharmaceutics in vials: Baseline water sublimation investigation

Atmospheric freeze-drying (AFD) is a relatively new freeze-drying technology without the need for a vacuum, making it easy to operate and cost-effective. Although there have been studies using AFD to dehydrate solid foods, there is currently no research on using AFD to dehydrate frozen liquids in pharmaceutical vials. In this study, several approaches were evaluated to enhance the atmospheric sublimation of water in pharmaceutical vials. Using −4 °C impinging jet airflow to dry frozen water samples in the vial, it was found that convective action significantly affected the sublimation rate. On this basis, a 3D-printed air-guide model was designed to improve airflow circulation in the vial, and it was found that the drying rate was highest when airflow energy loss was minimized, and airflow velocity at the sample surface was maximized. Additionally, the geometric characteristics of the vial also influenced the sublimation rate; vials with a larger bottom area and shorter height showed the highest sublimation rate. Increasing the vial’s bottom radius from 11 mm to 13 mm, under atmospheric pressure and using cold air at approximately −5 °C, reduced the drying time of 1 g of frozen water from 8.5 h to 6 h; each 5 mm height increase added 0.5 h to the drying time. Using cold air at −10 °C to dry 1 g of frozen water in a 5 mL vial, the combination of ultrasonic-induced energy (at a frequency of 39.46 kHz) and the air-guide model effectively reduced the sublimation time from 7 h to 5 h, compared to using only the air-guide model. However, this technique may be vulnerable to melting at the vial-transducer contact point, should the transducer be directly attached to the vials.

Surgical Closure of Multiple Muscular Ventricular Septal Defects in Children Using 3D-Printed Models.

Multiple muscular ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are often difficult to visualize and access surgically. The main challenge is identifying all defects intraoperatively, without which residual defects are inevitable. Patient-specific three-dimensional (3D) printed models can help accurately demonstrate intracardiac anatomy. We present our experience using this technology to surgically close multiple muscular VSDs . Data of all patients with multiple VSDs in whom a 3D-printed model was used to aid surgical planning between September 2021 and July 2023 was collected retrospectively. Our approach involved generating a 3D model from a preoperative computerized tomography scan for each patient, which was then used to precisely identify the location of the multiple VSDs and plan surgical intervention. Six patients underwent closure of multiple VSDs using a 3D model. The mean age at surgery was 3.5 years (SD ± 2.8 years). Five (83.3%) patients had previously undergone pulmonary artery banding. The VSDs were approached through the right atrium in three (50%) and the right ventricle in three (50%) patients. Mean cardiopulmonary bypass and myocardial ischemia times were 185.2 min (SD ± 94.8 min) and 147.5 min (SD ± 86 min), respectively. There was no postoperative heart block or a hemodynamically significant residual VSD. All six patients had normal biventricular function at a median follow-up duration of 1.7 months (interquartile range: 1.2-7.4 months). 3D printing to aid closure of multiple VSDs is safe, reliable, and reproducible. We recommend adding 3D printing to surgeons' armamentarium when faced with the challenge of closing multiple muscular VSDs in children.

Clinical application of CAD/CAM technology in 3D printed dental model used for removable splints fabrication in the treatment of traumatized anterior permanent teeth in children

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness of computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) in designing and manufacturing 3D-printed dental models used to make thermoplastic removable splints for children with traumatized anterior permanent teeth. MethodsA total of 28 patients with dental trauma (subluxation, extrusive luxation, and lateral luxation) were divided into experimental (14 patients) and control groups (14 patients). The experimental group was treated with the removable splint made using a new 3D printed dental model designed with CAD/CAM technology, while the control group received a wire-composite splint. Follow-up was performed at week 2 and 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months post-treatment, and every year after that. The traumatized teeth were evaluated according to clinical symptoms, tooth color, mobility, position, percussion pain, abnormal percussion sounds indicating ankylosis or other pathosis, swelling, fistula of gums, vitality test, and radiographic examination. ResultsNo significant difference was found in gender and age between the two groups. The experimental group had 23 traumatic teeth, and the control group had 24 traumatic teeth. Traumatic teeth in the two groups most commonly involved open apex teeth (>90 %). The average follow-up time for the experimental and control group was 35.47±14.23 and 32.92±14.79 months (P > 0.05), respectively. The pulp survival rate and periodontal healing rate in the experimental group (86.96 %, 91.30 %) were higher compared to the control group (62.50 %, 75.00 %) (all P > 0.05). ConclusionA removable splint made by a 3D printed dental model designed with CAD/CAM technology achieved an equivalent treatment effect to a wire-composite splint. Clinical significanceA 3D-printed dental model designed with CAD/CAM technology can be used to fabricate removable splints, which in turn can decrease iatrogenic injuries frequently encountered during the traditional model production process. For example, taking the impression directly from the patient's mouth can cause displacement of a traumatized tooth or even exfoliation. The removable splints produced using a new 3D-printed dental model can meet clinical treatment requirements of traumatized teeth, especially for children and adolescents with occlusal trauma in mixed dentition.

Novel Image-Guided Simulator for Transcervical Intralaryngeal Injection Training.

To assess the impact of a novel 3D-printed simulation model with Brainlab Image Guidance on enhancing otolaryngology residents' skills and confidence in performing transcervical intralaryngeal injection (TII) compared with conventional training methods. Utilizing a 3D-printed larynx model derived from computed tomography (CT) scans, this study involved 16 otolaryngology residents divided into two groups for TII training: one with Brainlab Image Guidance (LMIG) and the other without (LM). Pre- and post-training evaluations measured participants' confidence while the Brainlab system measured the accuracy of their needle placements. After training, participants exhibited a significant increase in confidence with an average rise from 1.56 to 2.75 on a 5-point scale. The LMIG group outperformed the LM group in accuracy achieving statistically significant reductions in target distances after training (3.5 mm right, 3.6 mm left). The LMIG also demonstrated a significantly greater increase in procedural confidence over the LM group after training. The TII laryngeal model with Brainlab Image Guidance significantly improves procedural confidence and accuracy among otolaryngology residents, signifying potential advantage over a more conventional training approach. The model's realistic tactile and live instrument positioning feedback augments the process of surgical skill refinement in a controlled, risk-free, simulation environment. NA Laryngoscope, 2024.

Upcycling end-of-life carbon fiber in high-performance CFRP composites by the material extrusion additive manufacturing process

Each year, a significant amount of waste is produced from carbon fiber polymer composites at the end of its lifecycle due to extensive use across various applications. Utilizing regenerative carbon fiber as a feedstock material offers a promising and sustainable approach to additive manufacturing based on materials. This study proposes the additive manufacturing of recycled carbon fiber with a polyamide-12 polymer composite. Filaments of recycled carbon fiber-reinforced polyamide-12 (rCF-PA12) with different recycled carbon fiber contents (0%, 10%, and 15% by weight) in the polyamide-12 matrix are developed. These filaments are utilized for 3D printing of specimens by using various infill density parameters (80% and 100%) on a fused deposition modeling 3D printer. The study examined how the fiber content and infill densities influenced the flexural performance of the printed specimens. Notably, the part containing 15 wt% recycled carbon fiber (rCF) composites showed a significant improvement in flexural performance due to enhanced interface bonding and effective fiber alignment. The results indicated that reinforcing the printed part with 10% and 15 wt% recycled carbon fiber (rCF) improved the flexural properties by 49.86% and 91.75%, respectively, compared to the unreinforced printed part under the same infill density and printing parameters. The investigation demonstrates that the additive manufacturing-based technique presents a potential approach to use carbon fiber-reinforced polymers waste and manufacture high-performance engineering, economic, and environmentally friendly industrial applications with the complicated design using different polymer matrices.

In Vitro Investigation Using a New Biomechanical Force-Torque Analysis System: Comparison of Conventional and CAD/CAM-Fixed Orthodontic Retainers.

(1) Background: After more than a decade since their first description, Inadvertent Tooth Movements (ITMs) remain an adverse effect of orthodontic retainers without a clear etiology. To further investigate the link between ITMs and the mechanical properties of different retainers, the response upon vertical loading was compared in three retainer types (two stainless steel and one nickel-titanium). The influence of different reference teeth was also considered. (2) Methods: Three retainers (R1, R2, R3) were tested in a newly developed biomechanical analysis system (FRANS). They were bonded to 3D-printed models of the lower anterior jaw and vertically displaced up to 0.3 mm. Developing forces and moments were recorded at the center of force. (3) Results: The vertical displacement caused vertical forces (Fz) and labiolingual moments (My) to arise. These were highest in the lateral incisors (up to 2.35 ± 0.59 N and 9.27 ± 5.86 Nmm for R1; 1.69 ± 1.06 N and 7.42 ± 2.65 Nmm for R2; 3.28 ± 1.73 N and 15.91 ± 9.71 Nmm for R3) for all analyzed retainers and with the R3 retainer for all analyzed reference teeth, while the lowest Fz and My values were recorded with the R1 retainer. (4) Conclusions: Displacements of 0.2 mm and larger provided forces and moments which could be sufficient to cause unwanted torque movements, such as ITMs, in all analyzed retainers. Clinicians must be mindful of these risks and perform post-treatment checkups on patients with retainers of all materials.

A novel 3D printed model for educating medical students on limb fractures: a randomized controlled preliminary study

BackgroundMedical education related to bone fracture must address numerous challenges including complex anatomical characteristics, diverse injury mechanisms, fracture typing, and treatment modalities. Our newly developed 3D printed model comprises components that may be combined or split to simulate various anatomical features, fracture types, and treatment modalities. This study aims to analyze the teaching utility of the new 3D-printed model compared with the traditional solid model.MethodsThis prospective study included 112 students randomly assigned to fracture-related education with a conventional model or the newly developed 3D-printed model. All students received 40 min of lecture, 20 min for femoral neck and 20 min for tibiofibular fractures, and a post-class quiz (10 min each) immediately followed. Scores on tests of fracture-related knowledge and user satisfaction were measured pre and post education for comparison.ResultsThe 3D printing group had an advantage in retention of anatomic knowledge, fracture typing and choice of treatment for the femoral neck fracture (P < 0.05). For the tibiofibular fracture the 3D printing group had an advantage in retention of anatomic knowledge and fracture complications (P < 0.05).Scores on the questionnaire survey also showed increased satisfaction in the 3D-printed model group(P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe proposed 3D-printed model can enhance the teaching effect significantly and has potential for widespread use in medical student education.

Rapid aerodynamic characterization of surface heat exchangers for turbofan aeroengines through optical techniques and additive manufacturing

Surface heat exchangers that use the bypass flow as heat sink are becoming a widely used solution to alleviate the high thermal load of modern aeroengines. Experimental characterization of such heat exchangers in full-scale engine tests is extremely expensive and time-consuming, so carrying out experiments in scaled wind tunnels that can replicate their very challenging flow conditions is highly desirable. However, intrusive instrumentation can affect the actual aerodynamics of the component due to the reduced size of the section and the typical high air velocities of turbofan engines. For this reason, a methodology to characterize a surface heat exchanger designed to work in the turbofan bypass using optical techniques is presented in this work. Additionally, the possibility of replicating the experimental conditions using additively manufactured models of exchangers would allow rapid preliminary characterization of these components. In this investigation, different non-intrusive techniques such as PIV, LDA, Schlieren, or LDV have been applied to determine the heat exchanger aerodynamic performance and vibration response, and a detailed characterization of the flow field has been carried out. Data have been cross-validated using different measurement techniques. A 3D-printed model has also been built to compare with the aluminum heat exchanger, showing almost an identical behavior in terms of velocity distribution downstream of the heat exchanger and pressure drop induced by its fins, as well as corrected frequencies, confirming thus the suitability of additive manufacturing for the aerodynamic characterization of these devices in preliminary stages.

A human-centered intelligent platform for holographic control and management of 3D printers

Under the wave of emerging human-centric concepts such as Industry 5.0 and Human-Centered Intelligent Manufacturing, Mixed Reality (MR) has emerged as a pivotal enabling technology with profound impacts on human–machine interaction. Simultaneously, the affordability of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printers has expanded their accessibility beyond industrial applications to homes and public spaces. However, the operational and management complexities of different 3D printers and their varying human–machine interfaces (HMI) present challenges for users, especially beginners. In this paper, we presented a human-centered intelligent platform for FDM 3D printer control and management enabled by Mixed Reality. A flexible system architecture is developed in the paper with two essential communication protocols, MQTT and WebSocket, for stable data transfer. In addition, a task-oriented HMI is explored on the MR headset to simplify the operation procedure with little training effort and allow parallel supervision of multiple machines. By leveraging the advantages of our architecture, real-time monitoring, failure detection, and hologram visualization were able to be integrated into our platform for intelligent operation and management. Importantly, the flexibility of the architecture via a holographic interface enables our platform to easily expand to various machining operations in the future.

Impact of 3D-Printed Anatomical Models on Doctor-Patient Communication in Orthopedic Consultations: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Effective communication between doctors and patients is essential for treatment adherence and better clinical outcomes. Although 3D printing has advanced in medicine, its impact on doctor-patient communication still requires further investigation. This randomized clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness of 3D anatomical models as a tool to facilitate communication in orthopedic consultations. This randomized clinical trial was conducted between May 2024 and September 2024, with 46 patients randomized into two groups: 21 patients received medical explanations with the aid of 3D models, and 25 without. Patients' knowledge was assessed before and after the consultation, and the quality of communication was measured using the Communication Assessment Tool (CAT). In the group using 3D models, 76.19% of patients reported improved knowledge of their conditions, while in the group without models, the increase was 52.00%. Additionally, 14 out of 15 CAT parameters showed statistically significant differences between the groups, with p-values ranging from 0.001 to 0.021. The use of 3D models significantly improved patients' understanding and facilitated communication with doctors, proving to be an effective tool for explaining complex medical conditions.

Validation of a 3D-Printed Silicone-Based Laryngeal Model for Resident Education.

We sought to validate a laryngeal simulation model and subsequently demonstrate its efficacy in improving surgical technique. Pre-post interventional study. Otolaryngology Program at a Tertiary Care Center. A low-cost, high-fidelity laryngeal model was created using a 3-dimensional-printed cast and multilayered silicone to mimic vocal fold lesions. Participants (attendings and trainees) were first given a series of tasks including mucosal vocal fold lesion resection and microflap excision of a submucosal lesion. Trainees were then provided with an instructional video from a laryngologist and asked to repeat the same tasks on the model. Performance data was then assessed using validated surveys and blinded expert reviewers. Eighteen participants completed the simulation. All subjects agreed that the "simulation experience was useful" and 93% agreed "the simulator helped improve my ability to do microsurgical tasks." In the postinstruction self-evaluation, trainees reported a significant decrease in mental demand (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.37-0.91; P = .038) and significant increase in subjective performance (95% CI: 1.51-51.89; P = .016) compared to the preinstruction self-evaluation. On the postinstruction attempt, there was a significant improvement in all domains of the adapted objective structured assessment of technical skills as measured by 3 blinded, expert reviewers. This study demonstrates the usefulness of a silicone larynx model and the value of instructional video in developing laryngeal microsurgical skills. Participants positively reviewed the laryngeal model and trainees saw both a subjective and objective improvement indicating tangible operative benefits from the use of this laryngeal simulation.

Light Scattering From High‐Porosity 3D Simulants of the Lunar Regolith at Small Phase Angles

AbstractLunar regolith consists of unconsolidated grains with high porosity, called the fairy castle structure. It is closely linked to the lunar opposition effect, which is the effect where brightness sharply increases as the phase angle approaches 0. However, owing to the Earth's gravity, it is difficult to reproduce the structure to study the physical characteristics of the lunar fairy castle structure in the laboratory. We designed a lunar fairy castle structure model for 3D printing. These models had high porosity and were simplified to tree‐like shapes. Various porous conditions of the surface were considered, represented by the number of trees, maximum trunk length, and maximum branch angle. In this study, a laboratory experiment was conducted to measure the reflectance of simulants with a fairy castle structure within a small phase angle range from 1.4 to 5.0. The result is analyzed for the sample porosity with the tangential slope of the reflectance S, which denotes the strength of the opposition effect. In addition, the results of this study were compared with lunar observation data. The porous samples exhibited a relatively large S value. The influence of branch length and attachment angle was very weak in this study. Samples with a porosity between 0.78 and 0.82 represent the similar S values to the lunar observation data, a mean porosity of lunar regolith. In conclusion, our findings suggest a potential correlation between porosity and the opposition effect in printed samples, proposing a new research approach for understanding the lunar opposition effect.

Material selection and design of intake blades for aircraft engines based on additive manufacturing

Abstract The intake blades of aircraft engines are mainly used to capture and guide external air into the engine and are the foundation of engine operation. Their materials and design are related to the performance level and reliability of the entire engine. The “additive” 3D printing manufacturing method has the advantages of high precision, low cost, less material waste, strong design, and a short research and development cycle. This article proposes the use of GH4169 high-temperature alloy as the 3D printing material for the service requirements of aircraft engine intake blades, constructs a 3D printing model, and designs and realizes the 3D printing of engine intake blades.

Effect of Support Densites on Accuracy of 3D-Printed Models

Effect of Support Densites on Accuracy of 3D-Printed Models

Microbubble-laden aerosols improve post-nasal aerosol penetration efficiency in a preterm neonate model

Nebulized lung surfactant therapy has been a neonatology long-pursued goal. Nevertheless, many clinical trials have yet to show a clear clinical efficacy of nebulized surfactant, which, in part, is due to the technical challenges of delivering aerosols to the lungs of preterm neonates. The study aimed to test microbubbles for improving lung deposition in preterm neonates. An in vitro testing method was developed to replicate the clinical environment; it used a 3D-printed preterm neonate model, connected to a high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and a vibrating mesh nebulizer. The flow rate of the HFNC mirrored that used in the clinics (i.e., 4, 6, and 8 L/min). Followingly, the lung penetrations of aerosols with and without microbubbles were compared. The aerodynamic diameter of aerosols with microbubbles (MMAD=1.75 μm) was lower than that of the counterpart (MMAD=2.25 μm). Microbubble-laden aerosols had a significantly higher number of microbubbles that were below 1.0 μm. Microbubble-laden aerosols had dramatically higher lung penetration in the preterm model; lung penetration efficiencies were 30.0, 25.5, and 17.5 % at 4, 6, and 8 L/min, respectively, whereas the lung penetration efficiency for conventionally nebulized aerosols was below 1.25 % in the three flow rates.

Evaluating the Impact of Different Education Methods on Cleft Lip and Palate Anatomy Training.

To compare the effects of different educational methods on short and long-term learning outcomes and to investigate the satisfaction and perception of cleft lip and palate (CLP) education among dental students. The theoretical exam on CLP to determine their baseline level of knowledge was taken by the participants(T0). After the exam, the students were randomly divided into three groups and all students attended a lecture-based traditional education on CLP. Students in the first group (n = 40) received no additional teaching (Group A). Students in the second group (n = 38) received model teaching with 3D-printed models (Group B). The third group (n = 39) was trained in e-learning-supported education (Group C). The theoretical exam was repeated immediately after the education (T1/short-term learning), one week later (T2/early long-term learning), and one month later (T3/late long-term learning), and the effect of the education methods on information level was assessed. In addition, a post-training satisfaction questionnaire was administered to participants of Group B and Group C. Both 3D model-based and e-learning-supported approaches significantly improved immediate knowledge of CLP. However, no significant differences were found in knowledge retention over time between the all methods. A majority of students favored the incorporation of both methods in orthodontic education. While both 3D models and e-learning effectively enhance short-term CLP knowledge among dental students, their long-term educational impacts are comparable. However, student preferences indicated that the use of 3D-printed models and e-learning strategies may be useful augmentations to traditional lecture education.

Improved graft survival by using three-dimensional printing of intra-abdominal cavity to prevent large-for-size syndrome in liver transplantation.

While large-for-size syndrome is uncommon in liver transplantation (LT), it can result in fatal outcome. To prevent such fatality, we manufactured 3D-printed intra-abdominal cavity replicas to provide intuitive understanding of the sizes of the graft and the patient's abdomen in patients with small body size between July 2020 and February 2022. Clinical outcomes were compared between patients using our 3D model during LT, and patients who underwent LT without 3D model by using 1 : 5 ratio propensity score-matched analysis. After matching, a total of 20 patients using 3D-printed abdominal cavity model and 100 patients of the control group were included in this study. There were no significant differences in 30-day postoperative complication (50.0% vs. 64.0%, p = 0.356) and the incidence of large-for-size syndrome (0% vs. 7%, p = 0.599). Overall survival of the 3D-printed group was similar to that of the control group (p = 0.665), but graft survival was significantly superior in the 3D-printed group, compared to the control group (p = 0.034). Since it showed better graft survival, as well as low cost and short production time, our 3D-printing protocol can be a feasible option for patients with small abdominal cavity to prevent large-for-size syndrome after LT.

Augmented Reality-Guided Mastoidectomy Simulation: A Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing Surgical Proficiency.

Mastoidectomy surgical training is challenging due to the complex nature of the anatomical structures involved. Traditional training methods based on direct patient care and cadaveric temporal bone training have practical shortcomings. 3D-printed temporal bone models and augmented reality (AR) have emerged as promising solutions, particularly for mastoidectomy surgery, which demands an understanding of intricate anatomical structures. Evidence is needed to explore the potential of AR technology in addressing these training challenges. 21 medical students in their clinical clerkship were recruited for this prospective, randomized controlled trial assessing mastoidectomy skills. The participants were randomly assigned to the AR group, which received real-time guidance during drilling on 3D-printed temporal bone models, or to the control group, which received traditional training methods. Skills were assessed on a modified Welling scale and evaluated independently by two senior otologists. The AR group outperformed the control group, with a mean overall drilling score of 19.5 out of 25, compared with the control group's score of 12 (p < 0.01). The AR group was significantly better at defining mastoidectomy margins (p < 0.01), exposing the antrum, preserving the lateral semicircular canal (p < 0.05), sharpening the sinodural angle (p < 0.01), exposing the tegmen and attic, preserving the ossicles (p < 0.01), and thinning and preserving the external auditory canal (p < 0.05). AR simulation in mastoidectomy, even in a single session, improved the proficiency of novice surgeons compared with traditional methods. NA Laryngoscope, 2024.