Modern Presurgical Planning: Practical Uses for AR/VR and 3D Printing

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Once thought of as futuristic technologies with little practical application, AR, VR, and 3D printing have become staples of proper preparation in several areas of otolaryngology. With these technologies, patient-specific anatomy can be carefully studied, interacted with intraoperatively, and even used for pre-surgical practice.

The panelist, who are each experts in and innovative users of these technologies, will describe lessons learned and practical uses of these technologies for surgical preparation for complex airway, sinus, otologic, and reconstructive surgeries.



The goal of this session is to be immensely practical, to glean insights into how these technologies can be utilized for case preparation for difficult or complex surgeries. The audience will be able to understand how these technologies work and how they can begin to implement them in their own surgical case preparation.



Discussion will include:

1. A scoping review of extended reality (augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality) and their current use in preoperative surgical case preparation within otolaryngology.

2. Use of 3-D printing in sinus and skull base surgery for resident training, pre-operative case preparation, and patient/parent education of their child’s tumor/lesion.

3. Use of AR and VR in the operative planning and operative theater for complex sinus and skull base cases to draw out frontal drainage pathways, highlighting critical anatomic structures, and developing targets on the preoperative CT scan for surgical resection.

4. Use of 3D printing and simulation for on-boarding new trainees and building entrustment using patient-specific models

5. Use of 3D printing and simulation for remote hands-on surgical education with potential for global outreach
6. Use of 3D printed models for complex otologic surgery, such as aural atresiaplasty, for ideal placement of bone anchored hearing devices, and for surgical case preparation for microtia reconstruction. Discussion will include extension of this use to creation of in-house cutting guides for other complex recontructive procedures.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to assess the practical uses for AR, VR, and 3D printing in surgical case preparation for complex otolaryngology procedures.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to compare the value of each of these technologies for pre-surgical planning, surgical education, and intra-operative guidance for complex otolaryngology procedures.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will identify one procedure within their practice that may be an ideal target for advanced surgical planning using AR, VR, or 3D printing.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: “Before anything else, preparation is the key to success” – Alexander Graham Bell


We have used these technologies to greatly improve the quality and safety of care for our patients undergoing complex surgeries. We are eager to share how others can practically implement use of these tools.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement : These technologies are relevant for case preparation in all specialties and practice settings of otolaryngology, including academic institutions and private practices. Adequate preparation can provide surgeons with added comfort in addressing complex cases and maintaining broad skills.