Trainees' experience in cleft surgery is limited due to the high-risk nature of the surgery and centralization of cleft care. Simulations allow trainees to learn complex surgical skills whilst ensuring patient safety. Existing cleft surgical simulators are over-simplified or prohibitively expensive. We developed and tested a high-fidelity yet cost-effective simulator for cleft palate repair.

Skeletal elements were obtained through high-resolution scanning of a pathologic specimen, 3D printed and then molded in plastic. Soft tissue components were formed through molding layers of silicone. 26 UK specialty trainees performed a vomerine mucosal flap and intra-velar veloplasty in a one-hour workshop. Pre- and post-simulation questionnaires assessing cleft knowledge and surgical confidence were compared for statistical significance.

Background: Trainees' experience in cleft surgery is limited due to the high-risk nature of the surgery and centralization of cleft care. Simulations allow trainees to learn complex surgical skills whilst ensuring patient safety. Existing cleft surgical simulators are over-simplified or prohibitively expensive. We developed and tested a high-fidelity yet cost-effective simulator for cleft palate repair.

Methods: Skeletal elements were obtained through high-resolution scanning of a pathologic specimen, 3D printed and then molded in plastic. Soft tissue components were formed through molding layers of silicone. 26 UK specialty trainees performed a vomerine mucosal flap and intra-velar veloplasty in a one-hour workshop. Pre- and post-simulation questionnaires assessing cleft knowledge and surgical confidence were compared for statistical significance.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Plastic Surgery Training Residents

Exclusion Criteria:

-

On request

Anonymous data will be available on request to the authors. Data will be kept for 15 years minimum.

The request needs to be done by a practicing clinician, able to provide registration proof.