An Open‐Source, Three‐Dimensionally Printed, Motorized (“Breathing”) Nasotracheoscopy Simulator
Anthony M. Saad, David Herz, Mal Mehari, Andrey Filimonov, Kenneth Yan, Rachel KayeAbstract
Objective
To evaluate the face and content validity of a novel, 3D‐printed nasotracheoscopy simulator with a motorized, moving larynx using expert feedback from board‐certified otolaryngologists.
Study Design
Device development and validation study.
Setting
An academic institution.
Methods
An anatomically accurate airway model was created from a de‐identified normal patient CT scan using open‐source segmentation software. Negative impressions of the turbinates and nasopharynx were 3D printed in PLA and cast in silicone for realistic soft tissue. A custom‐coded Arduino‐controlled servo motor was integrated to simulate laryngeal motion. Ten board‐certified otolaryngologists performed flexible nasotracheoscopy on the model and completed a survey assessing face validity, content validity, and general impressions using a 5‐point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics summarized responses.
Results
The simulator received high scores for face validity (mean 4.6, SD 0.67), content validity (mean 4.8, SD 0.40), and general impressions (mean 4.83, SD 0.42). All participants agreed that the model accurately represented anatomical landmarks and held educational value. Feedback emphasized its utility for telescopic navigation and anatomical recognition training.
Conclusions
This 3D‐printed simulator demonstrated strong validity and realism. Its anatomical accuracy, dynamic features, and reproducibility support its use as a training adjunct in procedural training. Future studies will assess its effect on learner performance.