Three-Dimensional-Printed Liver Model Helps Learners Identify Hepatic Subsegments: A Randomized-Controlled Cross-Over Trial
Victor Chedid, A. Kamath, John M. Knudsen, Katrin R. Frimannsdottir, Kathleen J. Yost, Jennifer R. Geske, Jonathan M. Morris, Timuçin Taner, Jane M. Matsumoto, Patrick S. Kamath
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to find out whether 3-dimensional (3D)-printed models improved the learners' ability to identify liver segments. METHODS: A total of 116 physicians from 3 disciplines were tested in a cross-over trial at baseline and after teaching with 3D models and 2-dimensional (2D) images. Adjusted multilevel-mixed models were used to compare scores at baseline and after 3D and 2D. RESULTS: Accuracy in identifying hepatic segments was higher with 3D first than 2D (77% vs 69%; P = 0.05) and not significantly improved by a combination of 3D and 2D. Increased confidence in segment identification was highest in trainees after 3D (P = 0.04). DISCUSSION: 3D-printed models facilitate learning hepatic segmental anatomy.