Pediatric Craniofacial Simulation Using 3D-Printed Models for Cleft Lip Repair

Monday, October 13, 2025

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT

Location: Simulation Pavilion 1

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Congenital craniofacial abnormalities are commonly encountered by the Pediatric Otolaryngologist and Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon (FPRS). Craniofacial deformities can impact both form and function and necessitate a thoughtful, multidisciplinary approach. Cleft lip and palate are the most common congenital deformities of the head, constituting approximately 1 in 1,000 births and 1 in 2,000 live births annually in the U.S., respectively. Common procedures to address a unilateral cleft lip include the Millard, Fisher, and Mohler methods all of which require mastery of the concepts and techniques for optimal patient outcomes. Repair of bilateral cleft lip is even more complex and sometimes requires staged procedures such as lip adhesion or premaxillary setback prior to definitive repair.

This course is designed for students, trainees, and faculty at all levels of training who desire an opportunity to practice complex reconstructive operative planning and skills necessary to perform cleft lip repair. 3D-printed models with “osseous” and “soft tissue” components will be available for surgeons and trainees to practice cleft lip repair techniques. The course will begin with an introductory lecture that reviews typical patient presentation, surgical anatomy, pre-operative planning, various surgical methods, and post-operative care. Participants will then spend the remaining session planning and carrying out repair of a cleft lip on a 3D-printed model where they will benefit from small-group teaching, hands-on experience, and guidance from experts in the field. Workshop tutorials that include procedural steps and surgical pearls will be available at each station to assist participants in performing the procedures. The course can accommodate 16 surgeons and 16 assistants/observers on a first-come, first-serve basis.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Understand indications for surgery and common surgical techniques used for cleft lip repair.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Identify relevant surgical anatomy and demonstrate ability to accurately mark the patient during pre-operative planning depending on desired surgical technique.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Implement surgical techniques learned during the simulation for cleft lip repair into his/her practice

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: The procedure offered in this simulation is highly specialized and can be performed by the Facial Plastic Surgeon or Pediatric Otolaryngologist. For optimal patient outcomes, the surgeon must achieve mastery of the various surgical techniques, including the nuances of pre-operative plannin

Lead Instructor(s)

Anas A. Eid, MD

Assistant Professor
University of Tennessee, Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery
Memphis, TN, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Instructor(s)

LH

Laura T. Hetzler, MD, MBA

Professor
Louisiana State University New Orleans
Baton Rouge, LA, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
Lisa M. Morris, MD

Assistant Professor
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
New Orleans, LA, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Krishna G. Patel, MD, PhD

Associate Professor, Director of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, SC, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Travis T. Tollefson, MD, MPH

Professor
University of California Davis
Sacramento, CA, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Christina N. Ward, MD

Resident Physician
University of Tennessee
Memphis, TN, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Travis Jonathan Clarke, MD

Resident Physician
University of Tennessee
Memphis, TN, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.