Laryngoscope. 2019 Sep 30;Epub ahead of print

# Live porcine model for surgical training in tracheostomy and open-airway surgery.

Deonarain A, Harrison R, Gordon K, Wolter N, Looi T, Estrada M, Propst E

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate the validity of a live porcine model for surgical training in tracheostomy and open-airway surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study.

METHODS: Eleven expert otolaryngologists-head and neck surgeons rated a live porcine model's realism/anatomical accuracy (face validity) and perceived effectiveness as a training tool (content validity) for tracheostomy and laryngotracheoplasty using anterior costal cartilage and thyroid ala cartilage grafts using a 53-item post-trial questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale.

RESULTS: Experts rated the face validity of the live porcine model a median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 4/5 (4-5) and the content validity a median (IQR) of 5/5 (4-5) for each surgical procedure. Overall, 91% strongly agreed or agreed that the simulator would increase trainee competency for tracheostomy and laryngotracheoplasty using costal cartilage graft, and 82% strongly agreed or agreed that it would increase trainee competency for laryngotracheoplasty using thyroid ala cartilage graft.

CONCLUSIONS: The live porcine model has high face and content validity as a training tool for tracheostomy and laryngotracheoplasty using costal cartilage and thyroid ala cartilage grafts. This training model can help surgical trainees practice these complex, low-frequency procedures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 2019.