Method for manufacturing simulated airway

Abstract

A simulated airway for training and practicing medical procedures has an upper jaw with simulated teeth, a nasal channel, a tongue, an epiglottis, a throat, a trachea, an esophagus, and a vocal cord. The portion of the air passage is reinforced by a fabric. A method of manufacturing a human airway model for medical procedure simulation includes sculpturing a core for a mold from a resin material, depositing a layer of clay on the core, and placing the core in the mold. The clay layer is removed and the polymer is injected into the mold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a simulation training model for airways (e.g., the human airway) used in medical training, and to a method of manufacturing the same. Background Technology

[0002] The aim is to provide a realistic and safe simulation for training students in certain medical procedures. Cadets can be used for this purpose, but they are not always readily available and may not be suitable for certain types of training. Simulated physiological structures provide opportunities for patients to practice in realistic simulations, ultimately enabling them to receive better care. These procedures may be related to the diagnosis of a condition or include procedures for life-saving emergency care. Examples include intubation of human patients, CPR, other resuscitation, and other procedures. These procedures may be performed in situations where the patient has experienced trauma and the trained medical personnel need to perform them under stress. It may also be desirable to provide manikins with certain anatomical variations, as these variations will occur in real-world situations. Simulating certain physiological structures is important so that students can learn to identify important structures in the human body. Developing methods for manufacturing these simulated structures also helps to enable them to be replaced or recreated in an efficient manner. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In some aspects, a method of manufacturing a simulated airway includes: sculpting a core from resin into a shape approximating the inner surface of an airway, the inner surface of which includes a nasal passage, a larynx, and an epiglottis. A clay layer is deposited on the core, then a mold is prepared using the core, and the clay layer is removed. A polymer is injected into the mold and allowed to cure. At least the upper portion of the nasal passage and a portion of the tongue are reinforced with fabric. The simulated airway is removed from the core, and vocal cords are drawn inside the simulated airway.

[0004] The core can be sculpted to include the throat. The core can be sculpted to include the epiglottis.

[0005] The core can be sculpted into a shape that includes a tongue.

[0006] The core can be sculpted into a shape that includes the nasal passage.

[0007] In one embodiment, a silicone material was brushed onto the area and cured in a hot water bath.

[0008] In some embodiments, the tooth assembly may be attached. In other embodiments, the tooth assembly is attached prior to polymer injection.

[0009] The clay can be oil-based clay. The clay can be removed by melting.

[0010] Simulated nasal passages can be attached. Simulated teeth can be attached to the core before it is placed in the mold.

[0011] Fabric can be applied while the airway remains on the core. Remove the molded airway from the core before drawing the vocal cords.

[0012] In some respects, a simulated airway for training and practicing medical procedures includes: a maxilla with simulated teeth, a nasal passage, a tongue, an epiglottis, a larynx, a trachea, an esophagus, and vocal cords, wherein the tongue, the epiglottis, and the trachea are integrally molded.

[0013] The vocal cords can be painted. At least one of the nasal passages, epiglottis, and tongue can be reinforced with fabric.

[0014] On the other hand, the core for the injection molding apparatus includes at least a first component and a second component, the first component being detachably attached to the second component, the first component having the shape of a maxilla and a larynx, and the second component having the shape of a trachea.

[0015] In this embodiment, at least one of the first and second components is sculpted from a polymer material. For example, the polymer material is a curable polymer material. The polymer material can be a resin.

[0016] In this embodiment, the polymer material is sculpted by hand.

[0017] In one embodiment, the third component of the core has the shape of a nasal passage. The third component can be detachably attached to the first component.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first component includes the shape of a uvula. The uvula may be filled with silicone before the core is used for molding.

[0019] On the other hand, a method for manufacturing a simulated airway includes: sculpting a core having the inner surface shape of an airway, the airway including the throat, tongue, and epiglottis; depositing a material layer on the core; placing the core in a mold; removing the material layer; introducing a polymer into the mold; and curing the polymer.

[0020] In this embodiment, the polymer is silicone. The core can be formed by resin sculpting.

[0021] In one embodiment, the core has the shape of a trachea. The trachea, tongue, and epiglottis can be integrally formed from a polymer.

[0022] For example, the polymer is a resin.

[0023] The method may also include reinforcing a portion of the tongue with fabric. For example, the fabric is a netting mesh.

[0024] When the air passage is arranged on the core, the tongue can be reinforced with fabric.

[0025] Vocal cords can be painted.

[0026] In this embodiment, the simulated airway is removed from the core.

[0027] Fabrics can be coated with silicone. Silicone can be cured in a hot water bath.

[0028] It also includes a simulated set of teeth. The simulated set of teeth can be attached to the core before the core is placed in the mold.

[0029] In this embodiment, the material layer is a clay layer. For example, the clay layer is sculpted to have a thicker area. In this embodiment, the material layer is removed by melting.

[0030] In one embodiment, the core has multiple components. In another embodiment, the core has at least two components, and at least one of the at least two components is detachable and replaceable. For example, at least one of the two components is detachably attached.

[0031] In one embodiment, the core has the shape of a nasal passage. For example, a portion of the core has the shape of a nasal passage and is detachable and replaceable.

[0032] Simulated airways can be incorporated into human models. For example, simulated airways can be combined with simulated heads and / or simulated chests.

[0033] In one embodiment, the uvula is filled with silicone before the core is used for molding. Attached Figure Description

[0034] This disclosure can be more fully understood by taking into account the following detailed description of various embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are in no way intended to be limiting, wherein:

[0035] Figure 1 This is a side elevation view of a simulated airway according to an embodiment;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a front perspective view of the sculpting material according to certain embodiments.

[0037] Figure 3A It is based on Figures 1-2 An embodiment of the present invention, a front perspective view of a core sculpted from the sculpting material;

[0038] Figure 3B This is a plan view of the core according to the embodiment;

[0039] Figure 3C This is a plan view of the core according to the embodiment;

[0040] Figure 4This is a front perspective view of a simulated tongue according to certain embodiments;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the interior of the mold according to an embodiment, showing the core therein;

[0042] Figure 6 This is a front perspective view of a glass fiber mold according to certain embodiments;

[0043] Figure 7 This is a bottom perspective view of the air passage and core according to certain embodiments;

[0044] Figure 8 This is a side perspective view of a simulated air passage and core according to an embodiment;

[0045] Figure 9 It is a plan view of a simulated airway according to an embodiment; and

[0046] Figure 10 This is a plan view of the air passage after the core has been removed. Detailed Implementation

[0047] This disclosure relates to a simulated airway for training and practicing medical procedures, and a method of manufacturing the same. Simulated airway 10 ( Figure 1 The airway includes a maxilla with simulated teeth 14, a nasal passage 12, a mandible with a tongue 16, an epiglottis, a larynx, a trachea 18, an esophagus 22, and vocal cords. Other structures, such as ligaments and / or cartilage structures, can be depicted to allow trainees to locate certain structures and distinguish the esophagus from the trachea among others. In an embodiment, portions of the nasal passage, epiglottis, and trachea are reinforced with fabric. In an embodiment, the tongue, epiglottis, and trachea are integrally formed during the molding process. A method of manufacturing a human airway model for simulating medical procedures includes: sculpting a core for a mold from a resin material, depositing a clay layer on the core, and using the clay-coated core to prepare the mold. Removing the clay layer and injecting a polymer into the mold. Curing the polymer, and at least portions of the tongue 16 and nasal passage 12 are reinforced with fabric. In an embodiment, other structures are reinforced with fabric. In an embodiment, the airway is demolded and vocal cords are depicted within the airway. In one embodiment, the structure of the vocal cords is sculpted as part of the core and clay layer, and painted or depicted by adding colored silicone or plastic material to the molded structure. Other structures (such as ligaments and / or cartilage structures) can be sculpted from the core.

[0048] The simulated airway 10 is fabricated in an insert mold with a core. The core forms the internal shape of the airway. The core is sculpted from resin or other polymer materials. Applicable materials include those known in the field of sculpting or prostheses. For example, the core can be sculpted from polyester resin. Another example is body filler, used for automotive body repair. Certain additives may be required, such as those to adjust the curing time of the material.

[0049] During the sculpting process, it is desirable to create certain anatomical structures. Additionally or alternatively, individual components may be attached to the core and / or inserted into the mold, and molded into air passages during the molding process. Figure 2 The roughly shaped block 20 of the sculpting material 24 is shown. Figure 2 A pre-filled block 26 for the uvular space is shown. The pre-filled block 26 is pre-filled with silicone to prevent air from getting into the space when the core is placed in the mold and molding is performed.

[0050] In this embodiment, anatomical features are sculpted manually. Tools such as small drills (e.g., Dremel) and sandpaper can be used. In this embodiment, spatulas, scrapers of various shapes, thread-end loop tools of various shapes, and / or brush-end tools are used. The anatomical features sculpted on the core are those important features that need to be identified during medical procedures. Esophageal intubation is an example of a procedure where simulating the airway is useful for training purposes. During intubation, the epiglottis and vallecula, or the space between the epiglottis and the tongue, are considered important structures that need to be identified. The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that moves during swallowing to protect the trachea. Food must pass down through the esophagus without being aspirated into the trachea and damaging the lungs. During intubation, the medical professional must identify and manipulate the tongue and epiglottis to allow the endotracheal tube to enter the trachea. The shape of the larynx is formed during the core sculpting process. Other structures (e.g., ligaments and / or cartilage structures) may be included to help the medical professional learn how to intubate the trachea via the oral or nasal passages, or for other procedures.

[0051] Figure 3A An example of a portion of the sculpted core 30 is shown. The core has a maxilla 32, an epiglottis 34 (or a negative space for the epiglottis), a larynx 36, and vocal cords 38 formed in sculpting material 24. In an embodiment, a negative space 31 for the tongue is also sculpted. In some embodiments, these structures are sculpted by hand, but they can also be done by machines, such as automated robots.

[0052] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3AAs shown, the maxilla 32 is formed on top of the core 30. In some embodiments, the simulated maxilla 32 and teeth 14 are attached to the core 30 prior to molding. For example, the teeth are primed, fabric is applied, and the teeth are bonded to the core. The teeth can be attached using adhesives. In other embodiments, a set of teeth 14 is attached after the airway is molded. In embodiments, one or more nasal cavities 14 are formed by separate structures attached to the core 30, or are part of the core 30 during sculpting. In embodiments, separate, removable nasal passages 12 are attached after the airway 10 is molded.

[0053] In an embodiment, the portion of the core forming the nasal passage 12 is related to... Figure 3A The portion of the core 30 shown is separable. In this embodiment, a separable air tube 18 is also formed. Figure 3C In this way, the entire core or only a portion of the core can be replaced. For example, in some embodiments, the core 30 has a first port ( Figure 3A ), nasal passage and trachea ( Figure 3C In other embodiments, the core 30 is formed as a single unit.

[0054] Cores are used in molding equipment, such as injection molding equipment. Figure 3B and Figure 3C As shown, the core 30 may have one or more components. In an embodiment, the core 30 has a first component 33 and a second component 35. For example, the first component 33 has the shape of a maxilla 32, and the second component has the shape of a trachea 18. In an embodiment, the first component also has the shape of an esophagus 22, a larynx 36, a vocal cord 38, a space for forming an epiglottis 34, and / or a space for forming a tongue 31. In an embodiment, a third component 43 has the shape of a nasal passage 12. The second component 35 and the third component 43 may be detachably attached to the first component 33. For example, the core 30 may have separately detachable and replaceable parts. In an embodiment, one or more components of the core are sculpted from a sculptable material. For example, one or more components of the core are sculpted from a polymer (e.g., a resin material). The sculptable material may be a curable polymer. In an embodiment, the sculpted and cured polymer components are used to prepare a mold so that the core or components of the core 30 can be easily and efficiently replaced.

[0055] The various parts of the core 30 can be glued together or attached together by connecting features. In an embodiment, such as Figures 3A-3CAs shown, the first component 33 has an esophagus 22, a maxilla 32, a larynx 36, vocal cords 38, a space for forming a tongue 31, and a space for forming an epiglottis 34. The second component 35 has the shape of a trachea 18. A post 45 on the first component 33 is received in a hole 47 in the second component 35 to attach the parts of the core 30 together. The first component 33 has another post 49, which is received in another hole 50 in the third component 43 to attach these components together.

[0056] In one embodiment, the core 30, or one or more components of the core 30, is sculpted by hand. However, the core, or components of the core, can be made using 3D printing, stereolithography, and / or techniques using computer data or models. In another embodiment, the core 30 includes a third component 43 having the shape of a nasal passage 12. The third component 43 can be detachably attached to the first component 33.

[0057] In one embodiment, the first component 33 includes the shape of a uvula 26. In another embodiment, the space of the uvula is filled with silicone before the core is used for molding.

[0058] The core material is allowed to cure only after it has been sculpted from a resin or polymer-curable material to form the core 30 for the inner portion of the mold. The core is the inner portion of the mold and is placed within the outer portion of the mold. In an embodiment, the outer portion of the mold is made of fiberglass. In an embodiment, the outer portion of the mold is a multi-piece fiberglass mold 41, which is assembled together, for example, by bolts 42 (see...). Figure 6 For example, a multi-part mold can have four parts connected together by bolts.

[0059] To prepare the mold, the core 30 is coated with clay 46, sculpting wax, or other sculptable material. For example... Figure 5 As shown, clay 46 is layered on core 30, and core 30 is used to prepare an initial mold 41. For example, an oil-based clay called Monster Clay can be used. Clay 46 allows the clay sculptor to create different thicknesses of tissue in different areas of the airway 10. For example, the portion backing onto the epiglottis 34 is thicker, thus more robust and able to withstand pressure from the laryngoscope during use.

[0060] Before casting, clay 46 is removed, for example, by melting the clay layer. In embodiments, the clay layer is melted, dissolved, or washed away. Thus, this layer is an uncured and removable sculptable material layer. The clay layer and its removal create a negative space in which polymer material is injected. For example, Platsil Gel00 (a silicone material) is injected into the mold to cast the air passage 10.

[0061] The mold is prepared by laying glass fiber on a core. In an embodiment, clay or other sculptable material is then permanently melted away from the mold. This leaves a negative cavity, which is a space to introduce silicone or other curable polymer material to form air channels. In an embodiment, air channels 10 are formed by injection molding. In an embodiment, mold 41 has a gate 49 into which silicone or other plastic material is injected. The mold can be a single-cavity or multi-cavity mold for forming multiple simulated air channels during injection molding. In a multi-cavity mold, polymer is injected into runners that lead to multiple gates for each cavity. A core is provided in each cavity, and an air channel is formed in each cavity.

[0062] Other structures (such as ligaments and / or cartilage structures) can be formed between the core and the clay. For example, thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, vocal ligaments, and / or tracheal cartilage can be formed. These structures can help medical professionals distinguish between the esophagus and the trachea.

[0063] In one embodiment, before placing the core 30 into the mold 41 and closing the multi-piece mold, the various parts of the fiberglass mold are coated with Platsil Gel 00 (a silicone material), and then a fabric is applied inside as a reinforcement. In one embodiment, the fabric is a nude-colored bodysuit. Figure 4 The diagram shows how multi-piece molds are connected together using bolts.

[0064] Once the silicone has cured, the air ducts are then demolded, but remain on the core 30 (see [link]). Figure 6 and Figure 7 In other words, the outer glass fiber portion of mold 41 is removed, but the inner core 30 remains in place. Figure 6 The airway after demolding is shown while still on the core 30, with the nasal passage 12 formed and the teeth 14 attached. In this embodiment, the following portions are reinforced using fabric 40: the upper portion of the nasal passage 12, the portion parallel to the epiglottis 34, and the tongue 16 (see...). Figure 6 and Figure 7 In one embodiment, these portions are brushed with Platsil Gel 10 and cured in a hot water tank. In another embodiment, the fabric is a stretch body netting mesh.

[0065] Figure 8 A simulated tongue 16 is shown. Tongue 16 is attached to the core and integrally cast with the remaining air passages. In some embodiments, the simulated tongue 16 is made of silicone material. For example, tongue 16 may have an outer layer of silicone material with an internally injected silicone material of varying hardness (durometer). Figure 8The epiglottis 34, tongue 16, and fabric reinforcement 40 are shown. In an embodiment, the fabric is an elastic body mesh. In an embodiment, the epiglottis 34 is a tissue flap attached to the tongue 16 and is provided as part of this structure, placed in a mold before polymer introduction or attached after molding. In other embodiments, the epiglottis is formed during injection molding or other molding processes. For example, as... Figure 3A As shown, spaces for molding the tongue 31 and epiglottis 34 are formed on the core 30, and the tongue and epiglottis are formed during molding.

[0066] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the lower surfaces of the tongue 16 and epiglottis 34 and the nasal passage 12 are reinforced with fabric 40.

[0067] The air passage 10 is then demolded from the core. The air passage is folded open, and the vocal cords 26 are painted or otherwise depicted. In this embodiment, the shape of the vocal cords is formed during the molding process, and the vocal cords are painted or depicted using colored silicone. For example, Platsil Gel 10 can be used to paint the vocal cords. Figure 9 The trachea 18, esophagus 22, and vocal cords 38 are shown. The interior is then coated with Platsil 10, which contains red flocking or microfibers to provide the desired texture. The completed airway 10 is shown... Figure 10 As shown.

[0068] In some embodiments, portions of the mandrel are detachable and replaceable. In one embodiment, the tracheal portion of the mandrel is provided as a separate, removable part and is replaceable. In another embodiment, the nasal passage portion of the mandrel is a replaceable, separate, removable part. In yet another embodiment, a separate, articulated mandrel can be attached to the simulated airway 10.

[0069] In some embodiments, a mold is formed from a core to enable efficient fabrication of the replacement part. To fabricate the replacement core 30, a new core is cast using a polymeric material, such as polyurethane resin, using this mold. An example of a suitable polyurethane resin is Axson F180. In embodiments, components simulating airways are fabricated using 3D printing or computer modeling.

[0070] In some embodiments, further structures are fabricated, and the simulated airway 10 is incorporated into these additional structures. For example, the simulated airway may be combined with a head, chest, or other simulated structures to obtain a more complete human model. In other embodiments, the airway is positioned within a frame suitable for simulation and practice.

[0071] In some aspects, a method of manufacturing a simulated airway 10 includes using an insert mold having a core 30 and an outer portion 41. The core is sculpted from a sculptable polymer material to form the shape of the inner surface of the airway. For example, the sculptable polymer material can be resin. The shape of certain anatomical structures is formed during the sculpting process. The sculptable material can be sculpted manually. In an embodiment, the space of the uvula is pre-filled with silicone to prevent air bubbles from accumulating during molding. During sculpting, the shape of certain structures is formed. For example, the shape of the larynx can be formed. In an embodiment, the maxilla 32, epiglottis 34 (or the negative space of the epiglottis), larynx 36, and vocal cords are formed. In an embodiment, the shape of the tongue 31 is formed on the core 30. In an embodiment, simulated teeth are attached to the core 30 prior to molding. In an embodiment, separate portions of the core are shaped for a nasal passage 14. For example, the separate portions of the core 30 for the nasal passage 14 are removable and replaceable. Separate portions of the core for the trachea can also be formed. For example, the tracheal portion of the core 30 can be removable and replaceable. In this embodiment, the outer portion of the mold is a multi-piece mold. For example, it can be a multi-piece mold, such as a four-piece fiberglass mold 41.

[0072] In a method of manufacturing a simulated airway according to certain embodiments, a mold 41 is prepared using a core 30 and coated with clay or other sculptible material 46. For example, during molding, the clay or other sculptible material can be shaped to form portions of varying thicknesses. In an embodiment, the clay or other sculptible material can be shaped to form a thicker portion at the back of the epiglottis 34. In an embodiment, the clay is removed by melting, rinsing, or dissolving. In an embodiment, the airway 10 is formed by injection molding. Prior to molding, the outer portion or a portion thereof of the mold 41 may be coated with silicone and reinforced with fabric. Other structures (e.g., ligaments and / or cartilage structures) may be formed in the mold. In an embodiment, silicone is introduced into the mold and cured. In an embodiment, the airway is removed from the outer portion of the mold 41, but remains on the core 30. One or more of the following may be reinforced with fabric: the upper nasal passage 12, the portion parallel to the epiglottis 34, and the tongue 16. In an embodiment, one or more of these portions are coated with silicone and cured. For example, they may be cured in a hot water bath. For example, the fabric may be a mesh or woven fabric. For example, the fabric can be an elastic body mesh. In an embodiment, spaces for the epiglottis and tongue are formed on the core. In an embodiment, spaces for the epiglottis and tongue are formed on the core, and the epiglottis, tongue, and / or trachea are integrally formed during molding. The airway 10 is removed from the core. In an embodiment, the airway is folded open and the vocal cords are depicted. For example, the vocal cords can be painted or coated with a colored silicone material. In an embodiment, the interior of the airway 10 is coated with a fibrous silicone. For example, the airway can be coated with silicone with red flocking. In an embodiment, the airway 10 is incorporated into other structures. For example, the airway 10 can be incorporated into a simulated head and / or chest.

[0073] In a further aspect, a method of manufacturing a simulated airway 10 includes: sculpting a core 30 into the shape of the inner surface of an airway including a larynx 36, a tongue 16, and an epiglottis 34; depositing a material layer 46 on the core 30; placing the core 30 in a mold 41; removing the material layer 46; introducing a polymer into the mold 41; and curing the polymer. In an embodiment, the polymer is silicone. For example, the core may be sculpted from a resin material. The core may have the shape of a trachea 18.

[0074] In an embodiment, the trachea 18, tongue 16, and epiglottis 34 are integrally formed from a polymer during molding. A method of manufacturing the simulated airway 10 may include reinforcing portions using fabric 40. For example, fabric 40 is a mesh. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the tongue 16 is reinforced with fabric. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the tongue 16, the region adjacent to the epiglottis 34, and at least a portion of the nasal passage 12 are reinforced with fabric (e.g., a mesh). In an embodiment, portions of the airway 10 are reinforced with fabric 40 when it is positioned on the core 30. Fabric 40 may be coated with silicone. Silicone may be cured in a hot water bath.

[0075] In one embodiment, vocal cords 38 are depicted inside a simulated airway. In another embodiment, the simulated airway 10 is folded open, and vocal cords 38 are depicted inside the simulated airway. For example, vocal cords 38 are painted. Or, for another example, vocal cords 38 are coated with colored silicone.

[0076] A method of manufacturing the simulated airway 10 may include removing the simulated airway from the core 30. In an embodiment, a simulated tooth assembly is attached to the core prior to the molding process.

[0077] In one embodiment, the material layer deposited on the core 30 is a clay layer 46. In some embodiments, the clay layer 46 is sculpted to have thicker areas. For example, the material layer 46 is removed by melting.

[0078] In one embodiment, the core 30 is made having multiple components. For example, the core has at least two components that are detachably attached to each other. In one embodiment, the core has the shape of a nasal passage 12. In one embodiment, a portion of the core has the shape of a nasal passage and is detachable and replaceable. In one embodiment, the core 30 is made of three components: a first component 33, a second component 35, and a third component 43. For example, the first component 33 is attached to the second component 35, and the first component is also attached to the third component 43. In one embodiment, the first component 33 has a post 45 and another post 49. Figure 3C As shown, the second component 35 has a hole 47 for receiving the column 45, and the third component 43 has a hole 50 for receiving the column 49.

[0079] In this embodiment, the simulated airway 10 is incorporated into the human body model. For example, the simulated airway is combined with a simulated head and / or with a simulated chest.

[0080] A method of manufacturing the simulated airway 10 may include filling the space of the uvula with silicone before the core is used for molding.

[0081] On the other hand, a method of manufacturing a simulated airway 10 includes: sculpting a resin core 30 in a shape approximating the inner surface of the airway, the inner surface of which includes a nasal passage 12, a larynx 36, and a tongue 16; depositing a clay layer 46 on the core 30; placing the core in a mold 41; removing the clay layer 46; introducing a polymer into the mold 41 and allowing the polymer to cure; reinforcing at least the upper portion of the nasal passage 12 and a portion of the tongue 16 with fabric; removing the simulated airway from the core; and depicting vocal cords inside the simulated airway.

[0082] In this embodiment, a resin sculpted core 30 is shaped to approximate the inner surface of an airway, the inner surface of which includes a nasal passage 12, a larynx 36, and a tongue 16. A clay layer 46 is deposited on the core 30. The clay layer is sculpted into a surface with the desired shape. A fiberglass mold is formed using the core and the clay surface. The clay layer 46 is removed. A polymer is introduced into the mold 41 and allowed to cure. At least the upper portion of the nasal passage 12 and a portion of the tongue 16 are reinforced with fabric. The simulated airway is removed from the core. The vocal cords are depicted inside the simulated airway.

[0083] In an embodiment, the core is sculpted into a shape that includes various anatomical features. These various anatomical features may include the larynx 36, tongue 16, epiglottis 34, and / or nasal passage 12.

[0084] A method for manufacturing the simulated airway 10 may include brushing a silicone material onto an area and curing it in a hot water bath. In an embodiment, a simulated tooth assembly 14 is attached to a core 30. For example, the tooth assembly is attached before the polymer is introduced.

[0085] In this embodiment, clay 46 is an oil-based clay. The clay can be removed by melting.

[0086] A method of manufacturing the simulated airway 10 may include forming a core 30 into multiple parts. One or more parts of the core 30 may be individually replaceable. In an embodiment, fabric 40 is applied while the airway is still placed on the core 30. In an embodiment, the molded airway 10 is removed from the core 30 before the vocal cords 38 are drawn.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a simulated airway, comprising: The resin sculpted core is shaped to approximate the inner surface of the airway, which includes the nasal passage, throat, and tongue. A clay layer is deposited on the core; Place the core into the mold; Remove the clay layer; Inject the polymer into the mold and allow the polymer to cure; The nasal passage and a portion of the tongue are reinforced with fabric. Remove the simulated airway from the core; as well as The vocal cords are depicted inside the simulated airway.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the core is sculpted into a shape including a throat.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the core is sculpted into a shape including a tongue.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the core is sculpted into a shape including the epiglottis.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the core is sculpted into a shape including a nasal passage.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising brushing a silicone material onto the area and curing it in a hot water bath.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising attaching a set of teeth.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the tooth assembly is attached prior to the injection of the polymer.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the clay is oil-based clay.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the clay is removed by melting.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein one or more parts of the core can be replaced separately.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising attaching simulated teeth to the core before placing the core into the mold.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the fabric is applied while the air passage is held on the core.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the molded airway is removed from the core before the vocal cords are drawn.

15. A simulated airway for training and practicing medical procedures, comprising: It has a maxilla that simulates teeth, a nasal passage, a tongue, an epiglottis, a larynx, a trachea, an esophagus, and vocal cords, with the tongue, epiglottis, and trachea being molded as a single unit.

16. The airway of claim 15, wherein the vocal cords are painted.

17. The airway of claim 15, wherein a portion of at least one of the nasal passage, the epiglottis, and the tongue is reinforced with fabric.

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