A real-time B-ultrasonic guided thrombectomy teaching device

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of medical teaching models, and provides a B-ultrasound real-time guidance thrombus extraction teaching device, which comprises a human body tissue simulation shell, a simulated blood vessel channel is arranged in the human body tissue simulation shell; a replaceable thrombus module is detachably installed in the simulated blood vessel channel and is used for simulating a real thrombus; a B-ultrasound real-time imaging module is used for scanning the simulated blood vessel channel in which the replaceable thrombus module is installed and generating a real-time ultrasonic image; a blood vessel circulation simulation part is communicated with the simulated blood vessel channel and is used for driving simulated blood to circulate and flow in the simulated blood vessel channel; and an operation monitoring and evaluation system is used for collecting operation data in the process of thrombus extraction operation and evaluating the thrombus extraction effect based on the operation data. The teaching device provides a complete solution integrating simulation, interactivity, repeatability and evaluation scientificity for thrombus extraction technology training, and significantly improves the teaching effect and efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical teaching model technology, specifically to a B-ultrasound real-time guided thrombectomy teaching device. Background Technology

[0002] Interventional vascular surgery, due to its advantages of minimal invasiveness and rapid recovery, has become an important method for treating diseases such as arterial and venous thrombosis. However, this procedure demands extremely high surgical skills from surgeons, requiring extensive standardized training to master. Therefore, medical teaching models for training in interventional vascular surgery have emerged.

[0003] Existing medical teaching models have the following shortcomings when simulating thrombectomy: First, the thrombus module is usually fixed and cannot be replaced or the replacement process is complex. This makes it impossible for the model to simulate different types and locations of thrombi in clinical practice, greatly limiting the diversity and realism of training scenarios. Second, the imaging effect of the materials in existing models under ultrasound is significantly different from that of real human tissue, failing to provide operators with ultrasound image guidance that is highly consistent with clinical practice, thus reducing the effectiveness of real-time guided training. In addition, existing models usually only provide an operating platform and lack the functions of real-time monitoring of the operation process and quantitative evaluation of thrombectomy results, making it impossible to objectively and accurately evaluate the operator's skill level, and the teaching effect is difficult to guarantee.

[0004] Therefore, we propose a B-ultrasound real-time guided thrombectomy teaching device to achieve highly simulated, real-time guided, and quantitatively evaluated thrombectomy teaching device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a B-ultrasound-guided real-time thrombectomy teaching device, which enables highly simulated, real-time guided, and quantitatively evaluated thrombectomy teaching.

[0006] This invention provides a B-ultrasound-guided real-time thrombectomy teaching device, comprising: A human tissue-like outer shell, wherein the human tissue-like outer shell contains simulated blood vessel channels; A replaceable thrombus module is detachably installed in the simulated blood vessel channel to simulate a real thrombus. The real-time ultrasound imaging module is used to scan a simulated blood vessel channel equipped with the replaceable thrombus module and generate real-time ultrasound images. A vascular circulation simulation unit, which is connected to the simulated vascular channel, is used to drive the simulated blood to circulate within the simulated vascular channel; and An operation monitoring and evaluation system is used to collect operation data during thrombectomy and to evaluate the thrombectomy effect based on the operation data.

[0007] Furthermore, the human tissue-like outer shell is made of ultrasonic biomimetic material, and the imaging characteristics of the ultrasonic biomimetic material under B-ultrasound are consistent with those of human tissue.

[0008] Furthermore, the vascular circulation simulation unit includes a liquid pump, a flow meter, and a pressure regulating valve for adjusting the flow rate and pressure of the simulated blood.

[0009] Furthermore, the simulated blood vessel channel is a transparent simulated blood vessel.

[0010] Furthermore, the replaceable thrombus module includes an adhesion layer, a mesh-like laminated structure, a unilateral directional expansion layer, and a centrally repeatable self-heating sheet; The thrombus body is a multi-layered, alternating network structure, simulating the layered stacking of fibrin network and blood cells. When the self-heating sheet heats up, the heat drives the directional expansion layer to expand toward the blood vessel wall, causing the thrombus surface to actively squeeze and adhere to the inner wall of the blood vessel. The adhesive layer is a thermosensitive phase change adhesive, coated or impregnated on the outer surface and internal fiber gaps of the mesh-like laminated structure. It becomes adhesive upon heating, achieving wall fixation, and can be repeatedly detached upon cooling. In practical applications, the purpose of this design is to achieve more realistic thrombus characteristics. The overall design uses a thermosensitive phase change adhesive that adheres to the inner wall of the simulated blood vessel channel upon heating, effectively simulating thrombus fixation. The combination of the aforementioned multi-layered, alternating mesh structure with the thermosensitive phase change adhesive allows the adhesive to solidify, increasing its strength and closely resembling a real thrombus, resulting in a better fit. Furthermore, the multi-layered, alternating mesh structure enhances the adhesion strength between the thermosensitive phase change adhesive and the inner wall of the simulated blood vessel channel. Moreover, this design is the first to achieve a three-in-one structure of "thermal drive + directional expansion + automatic wall adhesion"; unlike the passive adhesion of existing technologies, this invention is an active wall adhesion; and it can realize the linkage of self-heating + expansion + adhesion, highly simulating the coagulation process; the whole process is repeatable, reversible and lossless.

[0011] Furthermore, the self-heating element is a low-pressure heating element that can circulate heat; and the self-heating element has a concave curved surface.

[0012] Furthermore, the directional expansion layer is located on the concave curved surface of the self-heating sheet, expanding only towards the inner wall of the simulated blood vessel channel. In practical applications, this design ensures that the thrombus always adheres to the blood vessel wall, more closely resembling the growth direction of a real thrombus.

[0013] Furthermore, the unilateral directional expansion layer includes a Y-shaped thermally conductive framework and a thermally reversible elastic solid layer; the Y-shaped thermally conductive framework is encapsulated within the thermally reversible elastic solid layer, and multiple frameworks are provided, arranged horizontally and evenly; the lower end of the Y-shaped thermally conductive framework is close to the self-heating plate. In practical applications, The Y-shaped heat-conducting frame in this design is made of medical-grade stainless steel or brass. This frame offers uniform thermal conductivity, stable rigidity, low thermal expansion, and corrosion resistance, meeting the requirements for long-term cyclic use. Multiple Y-shaped heat-conducting frames are arranged linearly and uniformly in the transverse direction, with their bottom ends adjacent to the self-heating plate and facing the concave curved surface on one side of the self-heating plate. The entire Y-shaped heat-conducting frame is covered with a thermally reversible elastic solid layer made of addition-curved medical-grade silicone rubber. This layer undergoes reversible volume expansion upon heating and automatically springs back to its original position after cooling, maintaining a solid state throughout the process—it does not melt, fluidize, or disintegrate. During operation, the heat generated by the self-heating plate is conducted upwards through the Y-shaped heat-conducting frame, creating a gradient expansion effect in the thermally reversible elastic solid layer—with smaller expansion at the bottom and larger expansion at the top—highly matching the deformation requirements of thrombus simulation. After heating stops, the thermally reversible elastic solid layer automatically returns to its initial size without external assistance. This structure achieves stable and controllable gradient thermal expansion and automatic reset function through the combination of a thermally conductive skeleton and a thermally reversible elastic solid layer. The overall material has good biocompatibility, high structural strength, and long cycle life. The thrombosis simulation effect is realistic and reliable, and it can meet the requirements of long-term and repeated use.

[0014] Furthermore, it also includes a wireless inductive power supply transmitter module, which is disposed on the outer wall of the simulated blood vessel channel and electrically connected to the self-heating sheet. In practical applications, this wireless inductive power supply transmitter module includes components such as a DC power supply, a wireless inductive drive board / wireless power supply module, and a transmitting coil, mainly used to generate radio waves to achieve a wireless connection to the aforementioned self-heating sheet, thereby realizing the electrothermal effect.

[0015] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of the ultrasound-guided real-time thrombectomy teaching device provided by the present invention are as follows: First, it is highly realistic; the thrombosis module supports quick disassembly and replacement, and can simulate various clinical thrombosis morphologies such as soft thrombus, hard thrombus, and bifurcation thrombus, closely matching real case scenarios, with extremely high fidelity in training. Secondly, it provides real-time imaging; the device is compatible with conventional ultrasound equipment, and the imaging effect is close to the real human body image. It can monitor and guide the operation in real time, restore the clinical ultrasound guidance process, and improve the image interpretation ability. It can also achieve quantitative evaluation; the device can automatically record key data such as operation time and positioning accuracy, eliminate subjective scoring, generate objective quantitative evaluation reports, and accurately locate operational shortcomings. This approach effectively improves teaching quality, helps students practice repeatedly and quickly master thrombectomy techniques, shortens the learning cycle, standardizes operating procedures, and significantly improves training efficiency and teaching quality. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a front view schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the replaceable thrombus module. Figure label: Human tissue-like shell 100, simulated blood vessel channel 200, replaceable thrombus module 300, adhesion layer 310, mesh layered structure 320, unilateral directional expansion layer 330, self-heating sheet 340, Y-shaped thermally conductive skeleton 331, thermally reversible elastic solid layer 332, B-ultrasound real-time imaging module 400, vascular circulation simulation unit 500, liquid pump 501, flow meter 502, pressure regulating valve 503, liquid storage tank 504, operation monitoring and evaluation system 600. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The embodiments of the technical solution of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical solution of the present invention and are therefore intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] The basic implementation examples are as follows: Figures 1 to 2 As shown: Example 1

[0020] This embodiment provides a real-time ultrasound-guided thrombectomy teaching device, which aims to provide a highly realistic, repeatable, and quantifiable teaching platform for clinical thrombectomy training.

[0021] Please see Figure 1 A real-time ultrasound-guided thrombectomy teaching device includes a human tissue-like shell 100, a simulated blood vessel channel 200, a replaceable thrombus module 300, a real-time ultrasound imaging module 400, a blood circulation simulation unit 500, an operation monitoring and evaluation system 600, and a wireless inductive power supply transmission module.

[0022] 1. Human tissue-like outer shell and simulated blood vessel channels The biomimetic outer shell 100 is integrally molded from an ultrasonic biomimetic material, and its shape simulates a human limb or torso. In one specific embodiment, the ultrasonic biomimetic material is a polyurethane or silicone rubber composite material with a specific concentration of graphite powder or hydroxyapatite particles added. By adjusting the material ratio, its sound velocity, attenuation coefficient, and backscattering coefficient under B-mode ultrasound are highly consistent with those of real human soft tissue, thereby ensuring the realism of ultrasound imaging.

[0023] The simulated human tissue shell 100 has a pre-installed simulated vascular channel 200 inside. For ease of observation and teaching demonstration, the simulated vascular channel 200 is preferably made of a transparent, flexible material, such as medical-grade polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Its inner diameter, wall thickness, and branching pattern can be customized according to teaching needs (such as coronary arteries, carotid arteries, or lower limb veins). The simulated vascular channel 200 has interfaces at both ends for connection to the vascular circulation simulation unit 500.

[0024] 2. Vascular Circulation Simulation Department The vascular circulation simulation unit 500 is connected to the simulated vascular channel 200 via pipelines, forming a closed circulation loop. In one specific embodiment, the vascular circulation simulation unit 500 includes a liquid pump 501 (such as a peristaltic pump or centrifugal pump), a flow meter 502, a pressure regulating valve 503, and a reservoir 504. The reservoir 504 contains simulated blood, which can be water with added thickeners (such as glycerol or xanthan gum) or a special blood-imitation solution to simulate the viscosity and fluid properties of real blood. By adjusting the rotational speed of the liquid pump 501 and the opening of the pressure regulating valve 503, the flow rate (e.g., from laminar to turbulent) and pressure (e.g., simulating arterial or venous pressure) of the simulated blood within the simulated vascular channel 200 can be precisely controlled, thereby realistically reproducing the hemodynamic environment under different physiological or pathological conditions.

[0025] 3. Replaceable thrombus module The replaceable thrombus module 300 is an independent structure that can be detachably installed at a predetermined lesion location within the simulated vascular channel 200. This module is the core component for simulating real thrombi, and its structural design aims to achieve highly realistic physical properties and reusability.

[0026] Please see Figure 2 In a preferred embodiment, the replaceable thrombus module 300 is a composite structure consisting of an adhesive layer 310, a mesh-like laminated structure 320, a unilateral directional expansion layer 330, and a central self-heating sheet 340; the adhesive layer 310, the mesh-like laminated structure 320, and the unilateral directional expansion layer 330 are arranged sequentially from the outside to the inside, and the self-heating sheet 340 is located inside the mesh-like laminated structure 320.

[0027] Self-heating element 340: Located at the very bottom center of the module, it employs a low-pressure flexible heating element, such as a polyimide film heating element, with a concave curved surface design to minimize space occupation. This self-heating element 340 receives electrical energy wirelessly and can achieve cyclical and controllable heat release. Its heating temperature is precisely controlled by a built-in thermistor or an external temperature controller, for example, between 40℃ and 45℃, ensuring the response of the thermistor while avoiding thermal damage to surrounding biomimetic materials. Since this is a conventional design, further details will not be provided here.

[0028] The unilateral directional expansion layer 330 comprises a Y-shaped thermally conductive framework 331 and a thermally reversible elastic solid layer 332. The Y-shaped thermally conductive framework 331 is made of medical-grade stainless steel (such as 304 stainless steel) or brass with good thermal conductivity and biocompatibility. It is Y-shaped, with the lower end (tail of the Y) facing towards the self-heating plate 340, and the upper end (fork of the Y) facing towards the blood vessel wall. Multiple Y-shaped thermally conductive frameworks 331 are arranged linearly and uniformly along the circumference. The thermally reversible elastic solid layer 332 completely covers the exterior of the multiple Y-shaped thermally conductive frameworks 331 and is made of addition-cure medical-grade silicone rubber or thermally reversible polyurethane elastomer. This material undergoes significant and reversible volume expansion when heated (e.g., reaching above 40°C) and returns to its original shape upon cooling.

[0029] During operation, the heat from the self-heating plate 340 is efficiently and evenly conducted upwards through the Y-shaped heat-conducting skeleton 331, causing the thermally reversible elastic solid layer 332 to expand in a gradient: the bottom near the self-heating plate 340 expands less, while the top away from the heat source (the side closer to the blood vessel wall) expands more due to heat accumulation and skeleton support, forming a directional and controllable expansion force from the center to the blood vessel wall, simulating the process of thrombus formation where it is squeezed and fixed against the inner wall of the blood vessel.

[0030] Mesh-like layered structure 320: Located outside the unilateral directional expansion layer 330, it consists of multiple layers of alternating mesh structures. For example, medical nonwoven fabrics or woven meshes (such as polyester fiber mesh) with different mesh densities and fiber orientations can be alternately layered to simulate the complex microstructure of fibrin mesh and blood cell layered stacks in real thrombi, thereby providing mechanical strengths such as tensile strength, shear strength, and feel similar to real thrombi.

[0031] Adhesive layer 310: This is a thermosensitive phase-change adhesive, coated or impregnated on the outer surface and internal fiber gaps of the mesh-like laminated structure 320. At room temperature, this adhesive is solid or in a low-tack state, with no stickiness. When heat from the self-heating sheet 340 is transferred to the outer layer through the expansion layer and mesh structure, the adhesive softens and becomes highly adhesive, tightly adhering to the inner wall of the simulated blood vessel channel 200, achieving reliable "wall-attached fixation." After the thrombectomy is completed, once the module cools, the adhesive's stickiness disappears, and the module can be easily peeled off from the blood vessel wall, achieving non-destructive disassembly and facilitating replacement.

[0032] As an alternative implementation, to simplify the structure, the replaceable thrombus module 300 can also use a solid or hollow thrombus made of a single material, such as silicone or hydrogel of different hardness, to directly simulate different forms of soft thrombi, hard thrombi, etc. Although this simplified structure has slightly lower simulation accuracy, it is less expensive and suitable for basic operation teaching.

[0033] 4. Ultrasound Real-time Imaging Module The real-time ultrasound imaging module 400 is an external or integrated conventional medical ultrasound diagnostic instrument, with its probe in contact with the human tissue-like shell 100. Because the acoustic characteristics of the human tissue-like shell 100 and the replaceable thrombus module 300 are highly similar to those of real human tissue, this module can generate clear ultrasound images in real time, including simulated blood vessels, blood flow (via the Doppler effect, if applicable), and internal thrombi, providing trainees with visual guidance completely consistent with clinical surgery.

[0034] 5. Operation monitoring and evaluation system The operation monitoring and evaluation system includes: sensor units, data acquisition cards, and host computer software.

[0035] Sensor units include, but are not limited to, flow sensors and pressure sensors installed at the inlet and outlet of the simulated blood vessel channel 200 to monitor changes in hemodynamics before and after thrombectomy; and six-degree-of-freedom electromagnetic positioning sensors or optical positioning sensors installed on ultrasound probes or operating instruments to capture the three-dimensional spatial position and trajectory of thrombectomy instruments (such as guidewires and catheters) in the blood vessel in real time.

[0036] Data Acquisition and Evaluation: During the thrombectomy procedure, the system automatically records key operational data, including: total operation time, "navigation time" of the thrombectomy device from entering the blood vessel to contacting the thrombus, the length and deviation of the thrombectomy device's movement path within the blood vessel, the blood flow recovery status after the thrombectomy procedure (such as aspiration and stent release) (such as the rate of change in flow and pressure), and the thrombus clearance rate assessed by image recognition technology.

[0037] The host computer software uses a built-in evaluation model to comprehensively score these objective data, eliminating subjective judgments, and finally generating a structured quantitative evaluation report that clearly points out the operator's operational strengths, shortcomings, and improvement suggestions.

[0038] 6. Wireless inductive power supply transmitter module, The wireless inductive power supply transmitter module is located on the outer wall of the simulated blood vessel channel 200 and is electrically connected to the self-heating plate 340. In practical applications, the wireless inductive power supply transmitter module includes components such as a DC power supply, a wireless inductive drive board / wireless power supply module, and a transmitting coil. It is mainly used to generate radio waves to achieve a wireless connection to the aforementioned self-heating plate, thereby realizing the electrothermal effect.

[0039] Work process: Before the teaching begins, the instructor selects the corresponding replaceable thrombus module 300 (such as simulating a "soft thrombus" or "bifurcation thrombus") based on the teaching case and installs it in the predetermined position of the simulated vascular channel 200; the vascular circulation simulation unit 500 is activated, and the required blood pressure and blood flow velocity are set; the B-ultrasound real-time imaging module 400 is activated to obtain clear images of blood vessels and thrombi; under the real-time guidance of the B-ultrasound image, the trainee uses the thrombectomy instrument to perform a simulated thrombectomy operation; the operation monitoring and evaluation system 600 records the operation data throughout the process, and automatically generates an evaluation report after the operation is completed; if repeated practice is required, simply wait for the thrombus module to cool down and remove it, replace it with a new or cleaned module, and a new round of training can begin.

[0040] In summary, this embodiment provides a complete solution for thrombectomy training that integrates simulation, interactivity, repeatability, and scientific evaluation through a highly biomimetic shell and blood vessel, a replaceable composite thrombus module, realistic ultrasound imaging feedback, and an objective quantitative evaluation system, significantly improving teaching effectiveness and efficiency.

[0041] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and principles of the present invention. For example, replacing wireless power supply with wired contact power supply, adding hard particles simulating calcification points to the thrombosis module, or combining the assessment system with virtual reality (VR) technology to provide an immersive teaching experience, etc., should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0042] Numerous specific details are set forth in this specification. However, it will be understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this specification.

[0043] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of the present invention.

Claims

1. A B-ultrasound-guided real-time thrombectomy teaching device, characterized in that, include: A human tissue-like outer shell, wherein the human tissue-like outer shell contains simulated blood vessel channels; A replaceable thrombus module is detachably installed in the simulated blood vessel channel to simulate a real thrombus. The real-time ultrasound imaging module is used to scan a simulated blood vessel channel equipped with the replaceable thrombus module and generate real-time ultrasound images. A vascular circulation simulation unit, which is connected to the simulated vascular channel, is used to drive the simulated blood to circulate within the simulated vascular channel; and An operation monitoring and evaluation system is used to collect operation data during thrombectomy and to evaluate the thrombectomy effect based on the operation data.

2. The ultrasound-guided real-time thrombectomy teaching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The human tissue-like outer shell is made of ultrasonic biomimetic material, and the imaging characteristics of the ultrasonic biomimetic material under B-ultrasound are consistent with those of human tissue.

3. The ultrasound-guided real-time thrombectomy teaching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vascular circulation simulation unit includes a liquid pump, a flow meter, and a pressure regulating valve for adjusting the flow rate and pressure of the simulated blood.

4. The ultrasound-guided real-time thrombectomy teaching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The simulated blood vessel channel is a transparent simulated blood vessel.

5. The ultrasound-guided real-time thrombectomy teaching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The replaceable thrombus module includes an adhesion layer, a mesh-like laminated structure, a unilateral directional expansion layer, and a centrally repeatable self-heating sheet; The reticular layered structure is a multi-layered alternating reticular structure that simulates the layered stacking of fibrin network and blood cells. When the self-heating sheet heats up, the heat drives the directional expansion layer to expand toward the blood vessel wall, causing the thrombus surface to actively squeeze and adhere to the inner wall of the blood vessel. The adhesive layer is a thermosensitive phase change adhesive, which is coated or impregnated on the outer surface and internal fiber gaps of the mesh-layered structure. It becomes sticky when heated, thus achieving wall fixation. It can be detached and repeated after cooling.

6. The ultrasound-guided real-time thrombectomy teaching device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The self-heating element uses a low-pressure heating element that can circulate heat; and the self-heating element has a concave curved surface.

7. The ultrasound-guided real-time thrombectomy teaching device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The unilateral directional expansion layer is located on the concave curved surface of the self-heating sheet and expands only towards the inner wall of the simulated blood vessel channel.

8. The ultrasound-guided real-time thrombectomy teaching device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The unilateral directional expansion layer includes a Y-shaped thermally conductive skeleton and a thermally reversible elastic solid layer; the Y-shaped thermally conductive skeleton is wrapped inside the thermally reversible elastic solid layer, and there are multiple skeletons arranged in a horizontally evenly distributed manner; the lower end of the Y-shaped thermally conductive skeleton is close to the self-heating sheet.

9. The ultrasound-guided real-time thrombectomy teaching device according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a wireless inductive power supply transmitter module, which is located on the outer wall of the simulated blood vessel channel and is electrically connected to the self-heating sheet.

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