Percutaneous tracheotomy represents a critical airway procedure, yet training opportunities in pediatric patients remain limited due to the low incidence and high risk associated with the procedure. Simulation-based training plays a key role in enabling physicians to develop procedural skills in a safe environment. This study presents the design, fabrication, and validation of a high-fidelity physical simulator for pediatric percutaneous tracheotomy using the Frova screw technique. The simulator reproduces the anatomy of an eight-year-old patient in a hyperextended neck position, allowing rigid bronchoscope insertion, and includes relevant anatomical landmarks. The presence of a blood pocket enhances procedural realism. The modular design, with a reusable base and disposable cartridge, enables rapid reset between sessions while minimizing maintenance costs. Soft tissues were reproduced through silicone molding, while rigid components were fabricated using fused deposition modeling 3D printing. Validation was performed by 39 physicians using a structured five-point Likert scale questionnaire. The simulator achieved a mean score of 4.2/5, with item scores ranging from 3.6 to 4.7, indicating a high level of perceived realism, procedural fidelity, and educational value, as well as highlighting potential areas of improvement. These findings suggest that the proposed simulator is a useful tool for simulation-based education, with the potential to improve operator confidence and patient safety in complex airway emergencies.
Vannetti et al. (Wed,) studied this question.