The Surgical Maker Project: Appendectomy Model

Low-Cost, High-Fidelity 3D-Printed Appendectomy Model Overview This project is part of a broader research and educational initiative The Surgical Maker Lab Project, which aims to democratize access to surgical simulation through open-source, low-cost, high-fidelity models that can be 3D printed and assembled anywhere in the world. Simulation-based surgical education has traditionally relied on expensive silicone models, virtual simulators, and augmented reality platforms, which are often restricted to well-funded institutions. In contrast, this project utilizes widely available consumer 3D printers and accessible materials to create effective training tools, especially suited for low-resource settings. This specific model replicates the anatomy needed for an appendectomy, including the pelvis, abdominal wall, cecum, appendix, and appendicular artery. The components were derived from open-source anatomical models (Zanatomy), modified for surgical training, and printed using PLA and TP