3D printed headholder for use in neurosurgical cadaver training: Technical note.

INTRODUCTION

Headholders or skull clamps serve as indispensable tools in neurosurgery, facilitating the precise positioning and stabilization of the head for surgery. The realm of neurosurgical training in cadaver labs presents a clear challenge due to the lack of suitable non-clinical headholders.

RESEARCH QUESTION

We describe a 3D printed stainless-steel headholder for use in neurosurgical cadaver lab training.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Computer-aided design software was used to design a headholder, utilizing a three-pin skull fixation. Through an iterative process involving a plastic 3D printed prototype, ultimately a robust model was manufactured using a 3D stainless-steel printer.

RESULTS

The headholder was fixed to a multi-angle adjustable vise, enabling optimal positioning to support simulation of neurosurgical approaches and dissection training by neurosurgical residents and staff in the cadaver lab.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

This custom-made headholder offers an effective solution for secure fixation of cadaver skulls during neurosurgical training, contributing to practicality and efficiency in cadaver dissection. Despite the lack of evidence-based guidelines for neurosurgical headholder use, this device provides a valuable tool for neurosurgical trainees to practice proper placement, understand associated complications, and improve their hands-on skills. The digitally available 3D model can be optimized, shared, and further improved by other neurosurgical units and trainees, fostering collaborative advancements in neurosurgical training.