P39. A Nationwide Analysis of the Impact of Cardiopulmonary Anomalies on Cleft Palate Surgical Outcomes

PURPOSE: Flexor tendon repair is a technically demanding procedure, and surgical simulation may accelerate the learning curve of junior residents. Herein, the purpose of this project was to develop a training program with a 3D printed simulator to teach flexor tendon repair. METHODS: A 3D printed flexor tendon repair simulator was developed to include a surgical platform and an anatomically representative set of finger bones. Replaceable transparent silicone tendons are threaded through pulley, and tension can be adjusted. We also produced an instructional video that covers core and epitentinous suturing. With this curriculum, we held 3 separate 2-hour workshops for 11 residents, and participants were evaluated on their ability to perform cadaveric tendon repairs before and after the workshops. For evaluation, human cadaver fingers were disarticulated and mounted on a separate 3D printed platform, specifically designed to secure the tendons under tension. Participants were anonymously recorded and graded. Survey also assessed model realism, educational utility, and overall usefulness. RESULTS: Results indicate that the 2-hour simulation workshop improves resident confidence, skill and speed in flexor tendon repair. CONCLUSION: A 3D printed surgical simulator was developed for flexor tendon repair. Feedback has been uniformly positive, and results indicate improvement in junior resident confidence and skill. Because it can be 3D printed en masse, the device potentially has wide applicability within hand surgery training.