(0602) A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of Point-of-Care Produced Patient Specific 3D-Surgical Models

Introduction: 3D printing technologies are revolutionizing the production of patient-specific tools, models, and devices, offering potential value in surgical fields. These tools have been utilized in several oncology spaces, including head and neck cancer, where anatomic models have been used for preoperative planning and intraoperative tasks like tumor localization and reconstruction plate shaping. This study focuses on how surgeons at a single institution value patient-specific models.

Methods: An exploratory mixed-methods design assessed the value and usage of 3D models at one large midwestern academic medical system. Semi-structured 30 minute interviews were conducted with seven surgeons from head and neck surgery (n = 4), orthopedic oncology (n = 2) and surgical oncology (n = 1). These surgeons collectively have used 52 models for more than 38 different cases over the past two years. Participants also completed a 12 question survey that utilized 5-point Likert scales.

Results: Our study uncovered an unequivocal subjective recognition of the major value of patient specific 3D models in the operating room. A key theme was the significant benefits of on-site production, which facilitates faster production times—some less than 24 hours—and better communication between the surgeon and manufacturing team. Models were unanimously deemed the most useful for cases with complex anatomy by aiding 3D visualization. Models also enhance communication between surgeons and the rest of the surgical team. Remarkably, every participant indicated a maximum likelihood ("5 out of 5") of recommending these models to peers and that they value the models more now than before they used them.

Conclusions: The results suggest that there are major benefits to point of care production of patient specific models for use in head and neck and other oncology cases and that these models are highly valued by the surgeons who use them. While they currently have a narrow indication of use with limitations in reimbursement, there is significant enthusiasm among participants to spread adoption amongst their peers and to find new uses for models and 3D printing.