Development and Evaluation of 3D-Printed Canine Blood Collection Simulation Models.

Abstract

This study aimed to develop and evaluate a 3D-printed blood collection model (3DBCM) produced from computed tomography images for the clinical skills training of veterinary students. The 3DBCM, designed to simulate blood collection-a common clinical procedure encountered by veterinary students during their clinical practice-is manufactured using a thermoplastic polyurethane filament. To improve anatomical accuracy, latex tubes and fluid circulation systems were integrated to simulate vascular blood flow and venous pressure, followed by the application of a silicone coating to resemble tissue structure. The development process involved computed tomography image segmentation, 3D model reconstruction, design refinement, and printing using fused deposition modeling technology. The 3DBCM was evaluated for anatomical accuracy, durability, and cost-effectiveness. The durability test showed that the model endured approximately 1,280 ± 10 intravenous cannulations before functional failure, and it was restored to full functionality with repairs to the latex tubing and silicone-coated regions. Cost analysis showed that it offered a significant economic advantage compared with commercial models. Feedback collected from veterinary students (n = 220) and instructors (n = 14) indicated that the 3DBCM had a positive effect on students, with students showing an increase in their self-reported confidence for clinical practice after receiving training with 3DBCM (4.47 ± .737). These findings were also confirmed by instructors, who rated the 3DBCM highly for improving subject understanding (4.79 ± .426) and indicated that it should be used in clinical practice courses (4.86 ± .363). In conclusion, it is possible to produce a 3DBCM with high accuracy and low cost, along with high student and instructor satisfaction, for invasive procedures training such as blood collection, within an ethical training approach.