177 - A Low-Cost 3D-Printed Task Trainer for Pediatric Otic & Nasal Foreign Body Removal

Publication Number: 4174.177

Anna Henricks, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX, United States; Lith Nasif, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Irving, TX, United States; Elizabeth Harvey, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States; Kirk Atkinson, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States; Ngoc Van Horn, University of Texas-Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States

Background: Foreign body (FB) removal is a commonly utilized skill in pediatrics. Ear FB account for 45,000 ER visits a year. Structured training remains limited, particularly in low-resource settings. Success is highest on the first attempt, so it is essential to prepare pediatricians. To our knowledge, no studies have evaluated the efficacy of a standard model and protocol for procedural teaching.

Objective: We aim to develop a low-cost, standardized, 3D-printed model of the pediatric ear and nose to simulate FB removal techniques.

Design/Methods: Fusion 360 design software was used to design a head with dimensions of a 5-year-old and a tiltable base, which were then 3D printed on a Bambu P1S printer with PLA filament.

The ears and nose were made with a mold from 3D-printed negative models. Soft silicone ecoflex was poured into the molds to submerge the negative models. After 4 hours, they are extracted carefully and fit into the head model (Fig 1).

Pediatric interns completed a procedural bootcamp with an FB removal station in June 2025. It was facilitated by a trained pediatric resident, who utilized a standardized script to discuss removal methods for various types of FBs (organic, inorganic, insects). Participants completed pre- and post-surveys that assessed Kirkpatrick's Level 1: confidence, Level 2: knowledge, and previous experience. Interns practiced removal of otic FBs using an otoscope, alligator hook, and forceps, and removal of nasal FBs using a Katz extractor.

Results were compiled in Microsoft Excel, and data analyzed with paired t-tests to determine significance.

Results: Twenty-eight interns completed both the pre- and post-survey and hands-on task trainer practice. The majority (64%) had no previous experience with FB removal, and only 7% reported any hands-on experience with the procedure.

On the pre-survey, 60% of participants indicated they did not feel comfortable with FB removal. After the station, 65% felt they could complete the procedure with help immediately nearby only if problems arose (Fig 2). Overall knowledge rose from 48% to 95% correct on the pre- and post-survey.

The differences in comfort level and knowledge were statistically significant with p-values < 0.05.

Conclusion(s): Overall comfort and experience with FB removal were initially low. After our task trainer, comfort and knowledge increased. Further studies are needed to assess knowledge retention and hands-on application in a clinical setting.

Ultimately, our goal is to distribute this model and curriculum globally to empower providers in underserved areas, improving pediatric care where resources are limited.

Figure 1
3D-printed head with tiltable base and silicone molds of ear and nose based on dimensions of 5-year-old patient

Figure 2
Participants' comfort with foreign body removal from both pre- and post-survey responses

Figure 3
Participants' knowledge of foreign body removal on pre- and post-surveys