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

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• 3D printed
• Anatomy
• Headholder
• Neurosurgery
• Skull clamp
• Cadaver training