Chest tube simulator: development of low-cost model for training of physicians and medical students.

ABSTRACT Objective: by using a 3D printer, to create a low-cost human chest cavity simulator that allows the reproduction of the closed chest drainage technique (CCD), comparing its effectiveness with that of the animal model. Methods: it was made a 3D printing of the bony framework of a human thorax from a chest computerized tomography scan. After printing the ribs, we performed tests with several materials that contributed to form the simulation of the thoracic cavity and pleura. An experimental, randomized, and controlled study, comparing the efficacy of the simulator to the efficacy of the animal model, was then carried out in the teaching of CCD technique for medical students, who were divided into two groups: animal model group and simulator model group, that trained CCD technique in animals and in the simulator model, respectively. Results: the chest reconstruction required anatomical knowledge for tomography analysis and for faithful 3D surface editing. There was no significant difference in the safety of performing the procedure in both groups (7.61 vs. 7.73; p=0.398). A higher score was observed in the simulator model group for “use as didactic material” and “learning of the chest drainage technique”, when compared to the animal model group (p