Laparoscopic Trainer Box

Overview
This project is part of The Surgical Maker Lab Project, which focuses on increasing access to surgical simulation tools through low-cost, open-source, and easily reproducible models. This specific trainer is designed to help students and early surgical learners practice core laparoscopic skills such as hand-eye coordination, depth perception, instrument handling, and basic bimanual tasks.

The model is designed for use with basic laparoscopic instruments and a webcam or smartphone for visualization. It can be produced using a consumer-grade 3D printer and commonly available materials. The trainer is compact, portable, and ideal for use in simulation labs, classrooms, or even at home.

Research Participation
This laparoscopic trainer is part of an ongoing research initiative to explore the educational impact of accessible simulation tools. We are collecting feedback to improve the design and assess its usability across different settings.

We welcome all users to complete a short feedback questionnaire to support this project:
https://forms.gle/gd7RYzaLYDcrnQV36

Participation is anonymous and voluntary. Your insights are invaluable to the growth of The Surgical Maker Lab Project.

Materials Needed

• PLA filament for trainer frame and task modules
• Webcam or smartphone (for visualization)
• Laparoscopic instruments (or 3D-printed substitutes)
• Screws or magnets (optional, for lid and modularity)
• Tools: 3D printer

3D Printing Settings
Printer Used: Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro (or equivalent consumer-grade FDM printer)
Slicer Recommended: Cura / PrusaSlicer
Print Settings for PLA:

• Nozzle: 0.4 mm
• Layer height: 0.2 mm
• Infill: 15–20%
• Walls: 2
• Supports: None
• Bed temp: 60°C
• Nozzle temp: 200°C

Assembly Instructions

1. Print the base plate, lid, side posts, hinges x6 and screws
2. Assembly laparoscopic trainee box using hinge and screws
3. Add a webcam or phone on the lip of the top surface for visualization.
4. Secure the printed task modules inside the box using glue or screws.
5. Use any available laparoscopic instruments or 3D-printed equivalents.
6. Begin with simple tasks (peg transfer, threading, precision cutting), then progress to more advanced tasks.
7. Adjust lighting or camera angle to simulate different conditions.

Educational Use
The laparoscopic trainer supports practice in the following areas:

• Camera navigation
• Depth perception
• Hand-eye coordination
• Bimanual dexterity
• Instrument triangulation
• Task-specific modules (peg transfer, precision cutting, threading, etc.)

Related Project Information
This model is one of several being developed as part of The Surgical Maker Lab Project. Other models include open appendectomy, bowel anastomosis, and gallbladder dissection simulations. If you wish to contact us regarding the project feel free to reach out to us by email at [email protected]