Using 3D-printed endoscopic models can help trainees grow more comfortable performing interventional radiology procedures, according to a new study published in Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology.

“Many patients, unfortunately, are committed to having catheters for life with indwelling biliary or cholecystostomy drains due to multiple medical comorbidities precluding surgery,” wrote Jacob J. Bundy MD, MPH, department of radiology at the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor, and colleagues. “There are, however, other options for these patients, including percutaneous endoscopic interventions to facilitate removal of stones, casts, or debris resulting in biliary obstruction and subsequently render patients with chronic indwelling tubes, tube free. A simple method to teach physicians the techniques of these procedures is greatly needed to educate and expand the use of this very valuable procedure.”

The authors asked 11 radiology trainees to participate in a 3D endoscopy simulation. The group included interventional radiology residents, radiology technologists and medical students. Eight of the trainees had no prior endoscopy training.

Each trainee answered a 10-questions survey before the endoscopy simulation. Overall, the participants’ comfort level using endoscopy alone for cholecystostomy increased by more than 38 percent. Similar increases in their comfort levels for percutaneous biliary drainage (more than 32 percent), percutaneous nephrostomy (more than 32 percent) and percutaneous gastrostomy (more than 34 percent) were also observed.