SHBC1535

Z.K.PEH¹, S.RADZI¹, R.CHANDRASEKARAN¹, B.E.FAN², S.R.MOGALI¹

Nanyang Technological University¹, Tan Tock Seng Hospital²

Medical simulators play an integral role in clinical education and training. The bone marrow aspiration and biopsy examination (BME) were clinical procedures commonly performed to diagnose hematology-oncology related conditions. However, current commercial trainers available were either expensive or lack anatomical details and variations. The development of 3D printing technologies provided an opportunity to explore solutions to address these limitations.

A 3D printed pelvic model with normal and osteoporotic bone variations were created using a combination of Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) printing techniques. Then, the model was wrapped in a customized silicon layer (EcoflexTM 00-30, Smooth-on, Inc., PA, USA) to mimic visual and haptic qualities of the skin. This resulted in a life-sized preliminary prototype of the bone marrow trainer.

Face validity of the trainer were performed by two hematology consultants of TTSH by testing the skin surface palpation of the bony landmarks and the Jamshidi 11G bone marrow biopsy needle resistance to perform bone marrow aspiration and trephine. Preliminary observations suggested that the use of the trainer for needle insertion and removal in both normal and osteoporotic bony parts approached towards actual BME procedure in patients.

Future studies will include testing its effectiveness as a suitable teaching trainer involving novice and experts as well improving the skin layer to represent a variety of patients with different BMIs.