Transparent cerebral ventricle model

Abstract

To provide a cerebrum model and a training device thereof that are intended for training of endoscope surgeries for treating diseases of the ventricular system.SOLUTION: A human cerebrum model is formed of transparent synthetic resin, and is substantially spherical. In the human cerebrum model, the substantially spherical center part is provided with spaces corresponding to left and right lateral ventricles, the interventricular foramen (the foramen of Monro), the third ventricle, the cerebral aqueduct, and the fourth ventricle, in the human ventricular system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transparent ventricular model and a training device thereof that can be used for training endoscopic surgery for treating ventricular system diseases.

Background Art

[0002] The ventricle (also referred to as the ventricular system) refers to a complex-shaped cavity part filled with cerebrospinal fluid in the center of the brain. The cerebrospinal fluid is produced by a tissue called the choroid plexus, which is located in the left and right lateral ventricles, the third ventricle, and the fourth ventricle that make up the ventricular system. Most of the choroid plexus is in the left and right lateral ventricles, and the produced cerebrospinal fluid mainly reaches the fourth ventricle through the cerebral aqueduct from the third ventricle. Then, it flows out into the subarachnoid space from the median aperture and the lateral apertures in the fourth ventricle. The cerebrospinal fluid that has flowed out into the subarachnoid space is absorbed from the arachnoid granulations in the arachnoid membrane and enters the venous system. The amount of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles and the subarachnoid space is approximately 150 ml in adults, and the amount produced by a human in one day is approximately 500 ml.

[0003] When stenosis or occlusion occurs in the third ventricle, the cerebral aqueduct, the fourth ventricle, or the median aperture or lateral aperture of the fourth ventricle, the ventricular system in front of the cerebrospinal fluid expands in the ventricle upstream of the occlusion site. The main reasons for the occlusion are intracerebral tumors, pineal tumors, posterior cranial fossa tumors, intracerebral hemorrhage, etc. When the above state occurs, the pressure in the ventricle rises, resulting in symptoms such as headache, nausea and vomiting, papilledema, optic nerve atrophy, and disturbance of consciousness, and is diagnosed as hydrocephalus.

[0004] In the surgical treatment of ventricular diseases typified by hydrocephalus, an endoscope is used. Since the ventricle has a complex structure, in many cases, it depends on the skill of the doctor whether the tip of the endoscope hits which part of the ventricular system, avoids the parts that should not be contacted, and reaches the parts that should be contacted.

[0005] From the 1980s to the 1990s, endoscopic treatment has become widely performed. However, there was no suitable model for practicing endoscopy on complex organs. Until the mid-1990s, cadavers were often used for endoscopic training. For example, in the training of endoscopes for the ventricles, the endoscope was inserted into the cadaver head, and after training, the brain was dissected to verify how the endoscope was moving inside the brain. Subsequently, with the development of synthetic resin processing technology, medical models mimicking the brain have also been utilized, but there was no model equipped with a function to overview how the endoscope was actually moving.

[0006] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a transparent brain model. Although it has a hollow structure, it is a model for calibrating a tomographic imaging device and is not a model that mimics the hardness and structure of the human body for surgical training.

[0007] In addition, especially for medical models of the ventricular system, a complex-shaped hollow structure must be realized in a tissue that is so soft that it will collapse under its own weight like the brain. Therefore, although there are models created in the shape with the cavity part removed as described in Non-Patent Document 1 when trying to make the shape resemble the actual one, there was no medical model that could overview the surgical state from the outside while mimicking the actual human ventricular system.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Documents

[0009]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0010] As described above, there has been no surgical training model that is close to the texture of the actual human brain, faithfully reproduces the ventricular system, and allows the movement of instruments such as endoscopes to be visually recognized from the outside.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] As a result of earnestly studying the above problems, the present inventors have found that a human brain model, in which a mold having a hollow structure of the human ventricular system is manufactured by a 3D printer and a predetermined transparent resin is poured into the mold and solidified, is useful for surgical practice, development of new surgical methods, and informed consent for patients because surgical instruments such as endoscopes can be easily visually recognized from the outside, and thus have completed the present invention.

[0012] Therefore, the present invention provides the following in summary.

[0013] One embodiment of the present invention is a human brain model formed from a transparent synthetic resin, which is substantially spherical, and in which a space corresponding to the left and right lateral ventricles, the interventricular foramen (foramen of Monro), the third ventricle, the cerebral aqueduct, and the fourth ventricle in the human ventricular system is provided at the substantially spherical central portion.

[0014] Another embodiment of the present invention is the human brain model according to the above description, wherein the human brain model is divided at a predetermined position.

[0015] Another embodiment of the present invention is the human brain model according to the above description, wherein the human brain model is divided vertically at the height position of the posterior horn of the lateral ventricle.

[0016] Further, another embodiment of the present invention is [4] the human brain model according to the above description, further comprising a portion that mimics the choroid plexus in any one or all of the lateral ventricle, the third ventricle, or the fourth ventricle. the human brain model according to the above description.

[0017] In addition, another embodiment of the present invention is the human brain model described above, which is provided with a substantially spherical part corresponding to the pineal gland below the third ventricle and slightly above the inferior horn of the lateral ventricle.

[0018] In addition, another embodiment of the present invention is the human brain model described above, in which [6] the bisected human brain model is fixed.

[0019] In addition, another embodiment of the present invention is an endoscopic training device for the ventricular system, comprising a human brain model formed of a transparent synthetic resin and substantially spherical, and having a space corresponding to the left and right lateral ventricles, the interventricular foramen (foramen of Monro), the third ventricle, the cerebral aqueduct, and the fourth ventricle in the human ventricular system provided at the substantially spherical center part, and a transparent container with a part thereof opened.

[0020] In addition, another embodiment of the present invention is the endoscopic training device for the ventricular system described above, in which [8] the container is provided with a fixture for the human brain model.

[0021] In addition, another embodiment of the present invention is the endoscopic training device for the ventricular system described above, in which [9] the human brain model is bisected vertically at the height of the posterior horn of the lateral ventricle, the bisected human brain model is fixed through a rod, and the fixture has a structure for locking the end of the rod that has passed through.

[0022] In addition, another embodiment of the present invention is the endoscopic training device for the ventricular system described above, in which

[10] the container is filled with a transparent liquid.

[0023] In addition, another embodiment of the present invention is the endoscopic training device for the ventricular system described above, which further

[11] includes a sheath having a part visible from the outside when passing through the human brain model in the container.

[0024] In addition, another embodiment of the present invention is the human brain model described above, in which

[12] the moving target of the endoscope or the contact or invasion avoidance part of the endoscope is color-coded in the human brain model.

Advantages of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, in neurosurgery, the movement of the endoscope inside the brain can be confirmed from the outside. Therefore, it is suitable for training students and doctors in ventricular system surgery by using observations and recordings by multiple people. Furthermore, since the whole brain and details can be visually recognized from the outside and various insertion patterns of surgical instruments can be considered, it is useful for research and development of approaches to the treatment site. Furthermore, since the movement of the surgical instrument can be visually recognized from the outside, it is also useful for validation of endoscopes and the like. Furthermore, it can also be used when a doctor explains a surgical scheme or treatment of a disease to a patient.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] Hereinafter, the ventricular model and the ventricular system endoscope training device described in this specification will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. However, it is not intended to limit the ventricular model and the ventricular system endoscope training device described in this specification in any way.

[0028] First, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, an overview of the human ventricular system will be described. The ventricular system is the part through which cerebrospinal fluid flowing in the brain passes, and is composed of the anterior horns A of the left and right lateral ventricles, lateral ventricles B, interventricular foramina J, third ventricle E, cerebral aqueduct H, and fourth ventricle F. The left and right lateral ventricles B are located in the cerebrum. The lateral ventricles are part of the ventricular system and are the places where cerebrospinal fluid is generated. The left and right lateral ventricles B are respectively located inside the cerebral hemispheres. The interventricular foramen J (also called the foramen of Monro) is a passage connecting the left and right lateral ventricles B and the third ventricle E. The cerebrospinal fluid generated in the lateral ventricle B flows into the third ventricle E through the interventricular foramen J. Next, the third ventricle E receives cerebrospinal fluid from the lateral ventricle B through the interventricular foramen J. This part is located between the thalamus and the hypothalamus. The cerebral aqueduct H is an elongated passage connecting the third ventricle E and the fourth ventricle F, and runs vertically through the brainstem. The cerebrospinal fluid flows through this aqueduct into the fourth ventricle F. Next, the fourth ventricle F exists between the cerebellum and the brainstem, and cerebrospinal fluid flows in through the cerebral aqueduct. From the fourth ventricle F, it flows out of the brain to fill the subarachnoid space, and also flows into the spinal cord through the central canal G.

[0029] Choroid plexuses responsible for the production of cerebrospinal fluid exist across the left and right lateral ventricles B, the third ventricle E, and the fourth ventricle F (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). The choroid plexuses generally have an irregular shape and many hairy projections can be seen. These projections are composed of blood vessels and epithelial cells, and the cells and the surrounding capillaries are tightly bound. The cerebrospinal fluid secreted from the choroid plexus physically protects the brain and spinal cord, maintains the balance of nutrients and chemical substances in the brain, and flows to each part of the brain through the ventricular system. Note that FIGS. 1 and 2 are described for the purpose of explaining the ventricular system. In the human cerebral model of the present invention, such a ventricular system is formed as a hollow structure in a substantially spherical shape made of transparent synthetic resin.

[0030] The transparent ventricular model of the present invention enables visual understanding of the complex internal structure by modeling the ventricular part, which plays such a complex and important role, with a transparent synthetic resin. In particular, structures such as the ventricular system and choroid plexus are important to understand three-dimensionally, but it is difficult to directly visualize their three-dimensional structures with ordinary MRI scans or CT scans.

[0031] Next, referring to FIG. 3, the human brain model 1 in this specification will be described. Note that FIG. 3 is a view of the human brain seen from slightly in front and below. In FIG. 3, the outline of the part corresponding to the ventricular system is indicated by a dotted line. The human brain model in the present invention is composed of a base material 3 made of a transparent synthetic resin, and as shown in 5 of FIG. 1, the shape corresponding to the ventricular system part has a hollow structure.

[0032] The transparent synthetic resin used for the transparent ventricular model of the present invention only needs to be able to reproduce the flexibility of the human brain to a certain extent, and can realize transparency that allows the internal structure to be visible from the outside without being partially deformed or destroyed by its own weight. Furthermore, since it is used by being fixed in a container filled with a transparent liquid as described later, it is preferably provided with elution resistance to various liquids. Furthermore, in order to be fixed to a fixture, for example, a resin that can maintain its shape even when penetrated by a rod or the like and can maintain the above-mentioned suitable properties even when penetrated by a rod that is used for fixing by changing the position many times is preferable.

[0033] Such a resin is not particularly limited as long as it is a synthetic resin whose transparency and elasticity can be adjusted to a certain extent by additives or cross-linking. Specifically, there are ABS resin, polyethylene, polystyrene, epoxy resin, acrylic resin, phenol resin, polyamide, polybutylene, polycarbonate, polyester, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, silicone rubber, etc. From the viewpoint of realizing the texture of the brain, polyurethane and silicone rubber are preferable, and polyurethane is particularly preferable.

[0034] Polyurethane is a general term for polymers having urethane bonds and is usually produced by polyaddition of compounds having isocyanate groups and hydroxyl groups. As the polyurethane used in the present invention, a non-foaming elastomer material is preferable.

[0035] Due to its excellent properties such as transparency, flexibility, heat resistance, and chemical resistance, polyurethane is very suitable for the human brain model of the present invention. Furthermore, polyurethane itself retains its properties over a long period of time, and it is possible to create a very detailed model. In particular, when creating a model with a complex shape such as the brain, the flexibility of polyurethane is a great advantage. This is particularly suitable when actual feel is important, such as in surgical practice and preoperative planning. Polyurethane has flexibility that reproduces the flexibility of the human brain, and when surgical instruments such as sheaths and endoscopes are inserted, workability close to actual surgery can be realized. On the other hand, since the resin itself is transparent, the movement of the surgical instrument in the brain can be confirmed from the outside. This is particularly useful for surgical practice and preoperative planning.

[0036] Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the human brain model in this specification is divided horizontally and vertically at the position of the posterior horn C of the lateral ventricle of the ventricular system in which the part of the brain formed of a transparent synthetic resin is configured inside. In this embodiment, the upper side is called the upper hemisphere 6 and the lower side is called the lower hemisphere 7. By configuring in this way, while confirming the subdivision of the ventricular system, it is possible to explain the treatment of the ventricular system and to confirm which part the endoscope is in contact with after the training of the procedure. In the present invention, the division position of the human brain model can be appropriately changed according to the purpose of use. Further, since the divided human brain model in the present invention is held in a transparent container described later, it is preferably fixed by a suitable means. In the embodiment described in the present disclosure, it is fixed by passing a rod through it, but it may be locked by the frictional force on the resin surface, or may be fixed using tape or another locking tool.

[0037] In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the human brain model in this specification further includes a part that touches the choroid plexus 8 in any or all of the third ventricle or the fourth ventricle from the lateral ventricle. Although the brain model of the present invention is made of a transparent synthetic resin, such a part may be colored at the corresponding part. Alternatively, a separately colored member may be arranged as the choroid plexus in the lateral ventricle, the third ventricle, and the fourth ventricle. When the choroid plexus 8 is a separate member, since the training device according to the present invention is operated in a transparent liquid such as water as described later, it is preferably composed of a water-resistant member.

[0038] By configuring in this way, in the training of surgical instruments such as an endoscope, for example, it is possible to confirm the operation of the surgical instrument while externally checking whether choroid plexus cauterization (CPC) or choroid plexus resection (CPR) is accurately performed.

[0039] In addition, the human brain model in this specification can further be provided with a substantially spherical part 4 (FIG. 3) corresponding to the pineal gland at a position below the third ventricle and slightly above the inferior horn of the lateral ventricle. The position of such an important part that should be avoided from contact and the large

[0040] That is, in the ventricular system model of the present invention, the contact part or the invasion avoidance part in the surgery may be color-coded. Also, for the training of an endoscope, it is also effective to color the part and the path that are the movement targets of the endoscope. The colored part may be colored after forming the brain model, or separately colored members for each part may be joined after forming. By using a separate material for the invasion avoidance part, the position can be recognized externally in the surgical instrument training, and at the same time, it can also be confirmed by the touch of an endoscope or the like.

[0041] Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the ventricular system endoscope training device according to the present invention will be described. This specification provides an endoscope training device comprising the aforementioned cerebral model and a transparent container with a partially opened structure. As an example of such a transparent container, a so-called cubic transparent container can be considered. Further, since the cerebral model of the present invention is substantially spherical, for example, in endoscopic training, it is necessary to fix the cerebral model. And it is preferable to align the head in the direction of an actual operation. Therefore, the human cerebral model 1 in the present invention can be fixed to the support base 12 in the transparent container 10 shown in FIG. 5 and used for endoscopic training. By placing it in the transparent container 10 and fixing it with the support base 12, the head can be fixed in a direction imitating an actual operation to conduct surgical training. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the support base 12 is configured by providing a hook portion 12b with a bent tip on the upper part of a substantially U-shaped base 12a having an inclined surface. However, the present invention does not intend to limit the support base to such a shape, and the shape of the support base can be appropriately changed.

[0042] Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the mode of arranging the human cerebral model in this specification in the transparent container 10 will be described. When using such a container, it is preferable to put water 15 or the like into the container to such an extent that the cerebral model is immersed. In the present invention, the liquid filling the inside of the transparent container may be a transparent liquid other than water, and can be appropriately selected in consideration of the compatibility with the resin used for the cerebral model part from viewpoints such as elution property and refractive index of light. By configuring in this way, the state of the brain floating in the cerebrospinal fluid can be mimicked. Further, by adopting polyurethane having a refractive index very close to that of water, when the cerebral model is placed in water, the transparency of the cerebral model seems to increase. Therefore, the present invention is particularly suitable for training surgical instruments and confirming the movement of surgical instruments.

[0043] Furthermore, in FIG. 6, the bisected human brain model can be fixed by the fixture 13. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the fixture is the rod-shaped fixture 13. The hole 9 through which the rod-shaped fixture 13 passes may be provided in advance in the human brain model as shown in FIG. 4, or since the brain model itself is made of a flexible material simulating the tissue of the cerebral cortex, it may be fixed by piercing the rod at a desired position. In view of the object of the present invention, the rod-shaped fixture 13 and the transparent container 10 used for fixing the brain model are preferably made of a hard material of transparent resin. Examples of such resins include, but are not limited to, acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, polyester resin, polypropylene resin, polystyrene resin, polyurethane resin, and polyvinyl chloride resin.

[0044] The support base 12 is composed of a base 12a provided with an inclination and installable in the transparent container 10, and a hook portion 12b for fixing the human brain model 1 fixed by a plurality of rod-shaped fixtures 13 to the base 12a. By adjusting the inclination angle and the like of the base 12a, the head position during training can also be changed.

[0045] Next, referring to FIG. 7, the ventricular system endoscope training device of the present invention also includes, for example, a sheath 16 with a colored tip for training an endoscope. By using such a sheath, the approach of the surgical instrument to the ventricular system can be confirmed from the outside.

[0046] Next, referring to FIG. 8, in the ventricular system endoscope training device according to the present invention, an embodiment in which an endoscope is inserted will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the sheath 16 is inserted at a desired position, and the endoscope is inserted using this as a guide. In this embodiment, it is possible to confirm from the outside where the tip of the endoscope is located and how it is moving. Specifically, when the insertion angle of the endoscope (not shown in the figure) and the operation are moved violently, it is possible to observe not only the tip of the endoscope but also the endoscope body moving in a wavy manner while pushing against the normal structure.

[0047] The human brain model of the present invention can be formed by putting the aforementioned suitable resin as a molten resin into a mold. Although the manufacturing method of such a mold is within the scope of the knowledge of those skilled in the art, in the present invention, it can be designed and manufactured by 3D CAD from the image data of the human brain imaged by MRI or CT. When the brain model is divided vertically at the height position of the posterior horn of the lateral ventricle, the manufacturing becomes easier because a mold with a depression corresponding to the ventricular system part is used for the mold for injection molding of a substantially hemisphere.

Industrial Applicability

[0048] The human brain model of the present invention and the endoscopic training device within the ventricular system using the same can easily confirm where in the brain the surgical instrument is located and how it moves. Therefore, from an educational perspective, it is useful for medical students and medical staff to visually understand the internal structure of the brain while performing surgical training. Also, from the diagnosis and treatment plan, it helps to understand specific brain diseases and disorders and formulate treatment plans for them. It can also be used as a reference model for preoperative planning and during surgery. Furthermore, it is useful for doctors to explain to patients and their families the nature of the disease, location, the part of the brain affected, treatment methods, etc.

Explanation of Signs

[0049] A: Anterior horn of the lateral ventricle B: Lateral ventricle C: Posterior horn of the lateral ventricle D: Inferior horn of the lateral ventricle E: Third ventricle F: Fourth ventricle G: Central canal H: Aqueduct of midbrain I: Interthalamic adhesion J: Interventricular foramen 1: Human brain model 3: Base material 4: Colored part corresponding to the pineal gland 5: Cavity corresponding to the ventricular system 6: Upper hemisphere 7: Lower hemisphere 8: Choroid plexus model 9: Hole 12: Support stand 12a: Base 12b: Hook 13: Rod-shaped fixture 15: Water 16: Sheath 18: Endoscope

Claims

1. In a substantially spherical human brain model formed from a transparent synthetic resin, a space corresponding to the left and right lateral ventricles, the interventricular foramen (foramen of Monro), the third ventricle, the cerebral aqueduct, and the fourth ventricle in the human ventricular system is provided in the center of the substantially spherical shape, Human brain model.

2. The human brain model according to claim 1, wherein the human brain model is divided at a predetermined position.

3. The human brain model according to claim 2, wherein the human brain model is divided vertically at the height position of the posterior horn of the lateral ventricle. The human brain model according to claim 2.

4. The human brain model according to claim 1, further comprising a portion imitating the choroid plexus in any or all of the lateral ventricle, the third ventricle, or the fourth ventricle. The human brain model according to claim 1.

5. The human brain model according to claim 1, wherein a substantially spherical portion corresponding to the pineal gland is provided at a position below the third ventricle and slightly above the inferior horn of the lateral ventricle.

6. The human brain model according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the bisected human brain model is fixed.

7. In a human brain model formed from a transparent synthetic resin and having a substantially spherical shape, a human brain model in which a space corresponding to the left and right lateral ventricles, the interventricular foramen (foramen of Monro), the third ventricle, the cerebral aqueduct, and the fourth ventricle in the human ventricular system is provided in the center of the substantially spherical shape, and a transparent container with a part thereof opened, Ventricular endoscope training device.

8. The ventricular endoscope training device according to claim 7, wherein the container is provided with a fixture for the human brain model.

9. The human brain model is divided vertically at the height position of the posterior horn of the lateral ventricle, the bisected human brain model is fixed through a rod, the fixture has a structure for locking the end of the rod that has passed through, The ventricular endoscope training device according to claim 8.

10. The ventricular endoscope training device according to claim 7, wherein the transparent container is filled with a transparent liquid.

11. The ventricular endoscope training device according to claim 7, further comprising a sheath having a portion visible from the outside when passing through the human brain model in the container.

12. The human brain model according to claim 1, wherein the moving target of the endoscope or the contact or invasion avoidance site of the endoscope is color-coded in the human brain model.

Images