A step-by-step development of real-size chest model for simulation of thoracoscopic surgery

Objectives: For the purpose of simulating thoracoscopic surgery, we have conducted stepwise development of a life-like chest model including thorax and intrathoracic organs.

Methods: First, CT data of the human chest were obtained. First-generation model: based on the CT data, each component of the chest was made from a 3D printer. A hard resin was used for the bony thorax and a rubber-like resin for the vessels and bronchi. Lung parenchyma, muscles and skin were not created. Second-generation model: in addition to the 3D printer, a cast moulding method was used. Each part was casted using a 3D printed master and then assembled. The vasculature and bronchi were casted using silicon resin. The lung parenchyma and mediastinum organs were casted using urethane foam. Chest wall and bony thorax were also casted using a silicon resin. Third-generation model: foamed polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was newly developed and casted onto the lung parenchyma. The vasculature and bronchi were developed using a soft resin. A PVA plate was made as the mediastinum, and all were combined.

Results: The first-generation model showed real distribution of the vasculature and bronchi; it enabled an understanding of the anatomy within the lung. The second-generation model is a total chest dry model, which enabled observation of the total anatomy of the organs and thorax. The third-generation model is a wet organ model. It allowed for realistic simulation of surgical procedures, such as cutting, suturing, stapling and energy device use. This single-use model achieved realistic simulation of thoracoscopic surgery.

Conclusions: As the generation advances, the model provides a more realistic simulation of thoracoscopic surgery. Further improvement of the model is needed.