Author(s)
Heather Yeakel, MD
James D Kintzing
Eric D. Johnson
Jacob A. Kintzing
David M. Yen, MD
Affiliation(s)
St. Luke’s University Health NetworkSpirair;
Abstract:
Introduction:
Septoplasty is one of the most common rhinologic procedures and is challenging to teach due to limited access and visualization. The use of 3-D printed replicas or cadaveric human tissue has been reported but both are costly. Lamb septum has recently been proposed as a model. Here we assess the lamb septum model for equivalence to cadaveric human tissue and cost.
Methods:
Lamb and human cadaver cartilaginous and soft tissue components were analyzed for mean cartilage thickness, mean mucosa thickness, mean Young’s Modulus, mean puncture force, and length, height and cost. Subjective assessment of the anatomic and physical properties of the model was also performed.
Results:
The mean cartilage thickness for the lamb and human tissue was 2.28 ± 0.54 mm and 1.45 ± 0.54 mm respectively. Mean mucosa thickness was 0.52 ± 0.15 mm for the lamb and 1.9 ± 0.51 mm anterior-superior and 0.8 ± 0.42 mm inferior for human. Mean Young’s Modulus was 1.92 ± 0.54 MPa and 2.03 ± 1.30 MPa respectively. Mean puncture force for lamb vs. human was 1.36 ± 0.17 Ibf and 0.68 ± 0.24 Ibf. Mean length was found to be 3.5 ± 0.3 cm for the lamb and 3.31 ± 0.53 cm for human tissue. Mean height was found to be 2.3 ± 0.3 cm and 2.99 ± 0.47 cm for the lamb and human tissue. Subjective otolaryngologist assessment of the lamb and human tissue showed equivalence of the lamb cartilage thickness and stiffness while mucosal thickness was determined to be more fragile. Cost of the lamb model was $25 and human cadaver was $1000.
Conclusion:
Mounted lamb septum is an excellent model for septoplasty education. Human cadaver and 3-D printed models have been used, but lamb septum is reasonably equivalent, easy to procure, and inexpensive.