Medical phantoms containing echogenic and radiopaque bone-mimicking products

Abstract

The present invention relates to a medical phantom (1) suitable for ultrasound scanning and radiography training, comprising a silicone dummy (3) on which a product (5) for imitating at least one bone is placed. The article (5) is formed from a polymer doped with a radiopaque agent according to one of the following compositions: In the first composition, the polymer is polylactic acid and the radiopaque agent is selected from copper, stainless steel, and brass. - In the second composition, the polymer is an epoxy or polyurethane resin, mixed with a hardener, and the radiopaque agent is barium sulfate.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] The field of the invention relates to medical phantoms comprising echogenic and radiopaque bone-mimicking products, which are particularly suitable for training in medical imaging techniques, in particular ultrasound scanning and radiography.

[0002] Ultrasound scanning is a medical imaging technique that allows the morphological exploration of anatomical structures by analyzing echoes generated by internal tissues by ultrasound.

[0003] Ultrasound scanning involves the use of a probe to transmit and receive ultrasound waves. The probe typically contains piezoelectric ceramics, which generate ultrasound waves when subjected to an electrical pulse. The probe is placed in contact with the skin, and the generated ultrasound waves pass through the tissue, penetrating deeper or shallower depending on their frequency, and return in the form of echoes. Computer processing can then convert the received echoes into an image of the anatomical area. Gels can be applied to amplify the transmission of ultrasound waves and improve the quality of the resulting image.

[0004] Ultrasound allows for the diagnosis of abnormalities, diseases, and pathologies affecting organs, as well as the monitoring of pregnancy. Ultrasound is also used in rheumatology to inject medications into joints (infiltration) with a needle to relieve painful joints. Additionally, it is common for medical professionals to use ultrasound to guide the needle during percutaneous biopsies.

[0005] Radiography is a medical imaging technique that irradiates an anatomical region with x-rays to produce a grayscale image in which anatomical structures can be visualized with contrast according to their respective attenuation coefficients.

[0006] X-rays are generated by an x-ray tube, formed by a vacuum enclosure containing a cathode and an anode. An electric current is passed through the cathode, heating it and creating a potential difference between the cathode and anode. An electron beam is emitted from the cathode to the anode and accelerated by the potential difference. The anode recovers some of the energy provided by the electrons in the form of x-rays. The x-rays then pass through anatomical structures with varying thicknesses and attenuation coefficients. Finally, a detector converts the captured photons emerging from the anatomical region into a grayscale image. Contrast agents can be injected to improve visibility.

[0007] Radiography allows visualization of muscles, joints, and especially bones, which have a higher attenuation coefficient than soft tissues. This ability to resist the penetration of X-rays is called radiopacity, or radiodensity. Fluoroscopy is used to diagnose cracks and fractures and to detect foreign bodies.

[0008] Mastering these medical imaging techniques requires training. Currently, medical phantoms for ultrasound guidance exist to practice handling probes and, in some cases, needles. Additionally, medical phantoms for radiographic guidance allow patients to learn how to use the x-ray tube and detector and interpret the resulting images.

[0009] However, there are no known medical phantoms suitable for both ultrasound scanning training and radiography training.

[0010] The present invention improves this situation.

[0011] To this end, the invention relates to a medical phantom comprising a silicone dummy in which at least one bone-mimicking product is placed.

[0012] The article is formed from a polymer doped with a radiopaque agent according to the following.

[0013] a first composition wherein the polymer is polylactic acid and the radiopaque agent is selected from copper, stainless steel, and brass; A second composition in which the polymer is an epoxy or polyurethane resin, mixed with a hardener, and the radiopaque agent is barium sulfate.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the article is formed according to a first composition in which polylactic acid is doped with copper at a doping level between 14 and 20%, preferably substantially equal to 18%.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the product is formed according to a first composition in which polylactic acid is doped with stainless steel at a doping level between 13 and 27%, preferably substantially equal to 21%.

[0016] According to another alternative embodiment, the product is formed according to a first composition in which polylactic acid is doped with brass at a doping level between 14 and 28%, preferably substantially equal to 23%.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the article is formed according to a second composition in which the polymer is an epoxy resin and is doped with barium sulfate at a doping level between 5 and 18%, preferably substantially equal to 12%.

[0018] According to an alternative embodiment, the epoxy resin is Resortec 1050 resin and the hardener is of the 105xS type.

[0019] According to another alternative embodiment, the epoxy resin is SR GreenPoxy56 resin and the hardener is SD7561.

[0020] According to another alternative embodiment, the epoxy resin is CHS-epoxy resin 324 and the hardener is P11.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the article is formed according to a second composition in which the polymer is a polyurethane resin and is doped with barium sulfate at a doping level of 20-50%, preferably substantially equal to 33%.

[0022] For example, the polyurethane resin is a Formousse series resin, and the hardener is MD type.

[0023] The present invention also relates to a method for producing such a medical phantom.

[0024] The method includes the following steps:

[0025] - producing a product from the first composition or the second composition; - superimposing a first negative mold containing the imprint of the shape of the front surface of the dummy to be obtained on a positive mold containing a relief of the shape of the product; - pouring silicon between the first negative mold and the positive mold; -After the silicone hardens, the mold is removed, and the mold leaves a trace of the product shape on the silicone. - placing the product on the first negative mold in the impression left by the positive mold; - superimposing said first negative mold with a second negative mold containing an imprint of the shape of the rear surface of the dummy to be obtained; - pouring silicon between the first negative mold and the second negative mold; - After the silicone has hardened, the first negative mold and the second negative mold are removed to obtain a dummy with the product placed on it.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the product is manufactured from the first composition by extrusion three-dimensional printing.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the product is made by pouring the second composition in liquid form into the mold impressions.

[0028] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent from reading the following detailed description and from analyzing the accompanying drawings.

[0029] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a medical phantom according to the invention.

[0030] FIG. 2 shows a medical phantom according to the invention that includes a human foot dummy.

[0031] FIG. 3 shows a product for simulating the spine of a medical phantom according to the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 4 shows cross-sectional images obtained by ultrasound scanning of a medical phantom according to the present invention that resembles a human hand and an actual human hand.

[0033] FIG. 5 shows top-view images obtained by X-ray imaging of a medical phantom according to the present invention that resembles a human hand and an actual human hand.

[0034] FIG. 6 shows the attenuation characteristics of a detector used in radiography.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a method for manufacturing a medical phantom according to the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 8 shows a mold used in the method of FIG.

[0037] FIG. 9 illustrates the pouring operation of the method of FIG. 7 involving the mold of FIG.

[0038] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a medical phantom 1 .

[0039]

[0028] The medical phantom 1 may enable medical personnel, e.g., radiologists, to practice ultrasound scanning and radiographic guidance without using a separate training device. For such use, the medical phantom 1 may be qualified as a procedural medical simulator.

[0040] Ultrasound scanning training typically involves handling a probe, which is placed against the skin to visualize an anatomical site. Such training may include applying gel to amplify the transmission of the ultrasound scan and handling a needle that works in conjunction with the probe to inject anesthetic (usually cortisone) into a joint or to perform a percutaneous biopsy. The ultrasound scan allows for more precise guidance of the needle.

[0041] Radiography requires the mastery of various tools, particularly the X-ray tube and detector. X-ray tubes, in particular, must be handled with care, as prolonged exposure to X-rays, an ionizing form of electromagnetic radiation, can be harmful to a patient's health. Because detectors provide grayscale images of anatomical structures, obtaining and interpreting images of sufficient quality requires practice. Training also includes the injection of contrast agents, which are necessary to visualize soft tissues and organs.

[0042] It should be noted that the medical phantom 1 is not exclusively intended for training in ultrasound scanning and radiography: its properties, detailed in the following description, allow it to be used for training in other medical imaging techniques or even for non-medical applications.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, the medical phantom 1 comprises a silicone dummy 3 in which a product 5 for simulating at least one bone is placed.

[0044] The dummy 3 is adapted to mimic parts of the human body, so the silicone behaves similarly to soft tissue when exposed to ultrasound and X-rays. Silicon also has the advantage of having self-healing properties, which are useful when orifices form due to repeated needle use.

[0045] Advantageously, the dummy 3 has an external shape similar to that of the body part that it is intended to mimic by ultrasound scanning and X-ray photography, in fact such a shape makes it possible to increase the realism of the medical phantom 1 and to carry out training that is as close as possible to a real examination.

[0046] For example, Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a medical phantom 1 in which the dummy 3 is shaped like a human foot. This medical phantom 1 allows medical professionals to perform ultrasound examinations to detect plantar fasciitis and tendonitis, X-rays to evaluate the position of the heel when pressed against it, and X-rays to diagnose metatarsal fractures. Note that the product 5 placed inside the dummy 3 is not visible in Figure 2.

[0047] However, the dummy 3 may have any shape, in which case it primarily makes it possible to mimic the soft tissues that surround and hold the skeleton.

[0048] The product 5 is adapted to imitate a bone or, more generally, a part of the human skeleton. In contrast to the dummy 3, which may have any external shape, the external shape of the product 5 advantageously resembles that of the bone or part of the skeleton to be imitated.

[0049] In the example shown in Figure 3, the product 5 has the shape of a human spine. The product 5 is composed of a number of dummy bones, designed to mimic, among other things, the cervical vertebrae, the spine, the lumbar vertebrae, the sacrum, and the coccyx. The product 5 shown in Figure 3 is intended to be placed in a silicone dummy 3, advantageously in the shape of a human thorax, to form a medical phantom 1. Such a medical phantom 1 allows medical personnel to practice ultrasound examinations to identify prior epidural infiltrations, as well as X-rays to look for static disorders such as scoliosis or kyphosis.

[0050] Bones are rigid structures, essentially made up of connective tissues that join together to form the skeleton. Bones protect internal organs and facilitate movement. Bones are involved in calcium metabolism, mineral storage, and blood cell production.

[0051] Bone structure gives bone certain properties that are visible in the presence of ultrasound or x-rays, such as ultrasound scans or fluoroscopy.

[0052] First, bone is a highly echoic solid structure. During an ultrasound scan, bone reflects ultrasound waves back to the probe in the form of echoes. This property makes it possible to detect, for example, irregularities in the cortical echo lines, which could indicate a fracture or endosteal detachment.

[0053] Furthermore, bone has a higher attenuation coefficient than soft tissues and organs, preventing the passage of the photons that make up X-rays. This property (radiopacity) makes bone visible in the grayscale images obtained by X-ray photography. This allows for the observation of fractures, bone displacements, infections, and tumors at the bone level, and osteoarthritis, joint effusions, and dislocations at the joint level.

[0054] As a result, the inventors have conducted research into compositions that allow for the production of dummy bones, herein Product 5, whose properties resemble those of real bone in both ultrasound scans and radiographs. The results of the inventors' research, detailed below, relate to compositions in which Product 5 is formed from a polymer doped with a radiopaque agent.

[0055] The inventors have found that polylactic acid (better known by the abbreviation PLA), epoxy resin and polyurethane resin enable the product 5 to reflect ultrasound in a manner similar to bone, thus providing the desired visibility in ultrasound scans.

[0056] An example of an epoxy resin is Resoltech 1050 resin, available from Resoltech®. Resoltech 1050 resin can be mixed with a 105xS-type hardener to form an epoxy polymer, i.e., polyepoxide. The recommended dosage is 35 parts by weight of 105xS hardener per 100 parts by weight of Resoltech 1050 resin. Furthermore, these hardeners can be mixed to adjust the curing speed. It should be noted that mixing can be performed at room temperature, i.e., 18-25°C, and post-baking for demolding is not required.

[0057] In another embodiment, SR GreenPoxy56 resin, available from Sicomin, can be used. GreenPoxy56SR resin can be mixed with SD7561 hardener to form an epoxy polymer. The recommended dosage is 36 parts by weight of SD7561 hardener to 100 parts by weight of GreenPoxy56SR resin. Again, mixing can be done at ambient temperature.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment, CHS-Epoxy Resin 324, available from Sporchemie®, can be used. CHS-Epoxy Resin 324 can be mixed with P11 hardener to form an epoxy polymer. The recommended dosage is 100 parts by weight of CHS-Epoxy Resin 324 to 7 parts by weight of P11 hardener.

[0059] For polyurethane resins, it is possible to use the Formouse series, such as Formouse 60 or Formouse 200 resins, sold by COP®. Formouse series polyurethane resins can be mixed with MD curing agents, which are MDI-type liquid polymerizable isocyanates. The recommended dosage is 100 parts by weight of MD curing agent for 100 parts by weight of Formouse series polyurethane resin.

[0060] In the following description, a distinction is made for product 5 between a first composition in which the polymer is polylactic acid and a second composition in which the polymer is an epoxy resin or a polyurethane resin.

[0061] Figure 4 shows two images obtained by ultrasound scanning. The image on the right is of the medical phantom 1, which mimics the human hand, and the image on the left is of a real human hand 7. More precisely, these images allow the visualization of the metacarpal bones, which are mimicked by product 5 in medical phantom 1 according to a cross-sectional view. Comparing these two images, it can be seen that product 5 provides a satisfactory visualisation and therefore makes it possible to practice ultrasound scanning guidance.

[0062] The inventors then tested various radiopaque agents mixed with the polymer to obtain product 5, which is suitable for blocking the passage of photons.

[0063] First, with regard to the first composition of Product 5, i.e., where the polymer is polylactic acid, the inventors have established that copper, stainless steel, and brass can impart the required radiopacity to polylactic acid.

[0064] In particular, the polylactic acid can be advantageously doped with copper at a doping level between 14 and 20%, preferably a doping level substantially equal to 18%.

[0065] In another embodiment, the polylactic acid can advantageously dope the stainless steel at a doping level between 13 and 27%, preferably at a doping level substantially equal to 21%.

[0066] In an alternative embodiment, the polylactic acid can be advantageously doped with brass at a doping level between 14 and 28%, preferably at a doping level substantially equal to 23%.

[0067] The doping level here refers to the ratio of the weight of the radiopaque agent to the total weight of the first composition, and therefore refers to the weight of the polylactic acid and the weight of the radiopaque agent.

[0068]

number

[0069] where: τ is the doping level, m aro is the weight of the radiopaque agent, m PLA is the weight of polylactic acid.

[0070] "Substantially equivalent" ideally means that the polylactic acid is doped with the radiopaque material copper, stainless steel, or brass at the specified doping level. However, in practice, it is difficult or even impossible to precisely achieve the desired doping level, as the doping level may deviate by as much as 1% from the target doping level.

[0071] Now, with regard to the second composition of product 5, i.e., when the polymer is an epoxy or polyurethane resin, the inventors have established that barium sulfate (also designated by the chemical formula BaSO4) makes it possible to impart the required radiopacity to the selected resin.

[0072] In particular, the epoxy resin can be advantageously doped with barium sulfate at a doping level between 5 and 18%, preferably a doping level substantially equal to 12%.

[0073] More particularly, the doping level of barium sulfate is advantageously 5-18% for Resortec 1050 resin and 6-17% for Greenepoxy 56SR resin.

[0074] For polyurethane resins, and more particularly for Formouse 60 or Formouse 200 resins, the doping level of barium sulfate is advantageously between 20 and 50%. Preferably, the doping level is substantially equal to 33%.

[0075] The doping level here refers to the ratio of the weight of the radiopaque agent, and therefore barium sulfate, to the total weight of the second composition, and therefore the weight of the resin, hardener and radiopaque agent.

[0076]

number

[0077] where: τ is the doping level, m aro is the weight of the radiopaque agent, m res is the weight of the resin, m hard is the weight of the curing agent.

[0078] "Substantially equal" means that ideally the resin would be doped with barium sulfate at the indicated doping level. In practice, however, it is difficult, or even impossible, to obtain the desired doping level precisely, as the doping level may deviate by as much as 1% from the target doping level.

[0079] Figure 5 shows a medical phantom 1 that mimics a human hand and a real human hand 7 on the same image obtained by radiography. Here too, the product 5 mimics the bones of the hand and is placed on a silicon dummy 3 that has the outline of a human hand. By comparison with the real human hand 7, it is possible to verify that the medical phantom 1 thus obtained is visually very similar to the body part it mimics (in this case a hand) and therefore provides the necessary guarantees for radiographic teaching training.

[0080] To determine the appropriate doping level, the inventors used detectors typically used in radiography. Such detectors are, for example, inorganic scintillators containing crystals and photomultiplier tubes (commonly known as PMTs). The crystals are arranged in an array, each of which emits photons in the visible range in response to X-ray absorption by a scintillation material, typically sodium iodide. The photomultiplier tube utilizes the photoelectric effect to convert light received from the crystal array into an electrical signal.

[0081] The detector converts the received photons into a grayscale image. The grayscale of a given point in the image depends on the intensity I of the X-ray beam received by the corresponding crystal of the detector. The intensity I of the X-ray beam after passing through a material depends on the incident intensity I0 and the attenuation coefficient μ of the material according to the following exponential decay law:

[0082]

number

[0083] Here, the attenuation coefficient μ of a material is a function of the thickness x of the material it passes through.

[0084] The operation of the detector can be characterized by a function relating the attenuation coefficient to a given thickness of material. Such a function (also known as a feature) is shown in Figure 6. More precisely, Figure 6 shows the experimental feature C of the detector. exp Curve C corresponding to exp and experimental feature C exp The curve C corresponding to the approximation of app The thickness on the x-axis is in millimeters (mm), and the attenuation coefficient on the y-axis is unitless.

[0085] As a result, the difference in gray scale between two points in an image obtained by X-ray photography indicates a difference in attenuation coefficient. In particular, this image contrast is due to the difference in attenuation coefficient between bone and other tissues. The ratio of the attenuation coefficient of bone to that of other tissues is approximately 2.5. To evaluate the quality of the composition, i.e., a polymer doped with a radiopaque agent, the inventors fabricated a cube of the composition to be tested and performed X-ray examination to obtain an X-ray image of the fabricated cube and a silicon cube. From the contrast between the two cubes in the obtained image, it is possible to infer the ratio of the attenuation coefficient of the tested composition to that of silicon. Since the measured contrast corresponds to a ratio of the order of 2.5, the quality of the composition is more satisfactory.

[0086] Next, a method for manufacturing the medical phantom 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0087] The method can be divided into two stages: the first stage, corresponding to operation 700, is the production of the product 5. The second stage, corresponding to operations 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, 760, 770, is the production of the dummy 3 around the product 5.

[0088] During operation 700, product 5 is fabricated from a polymer doped with a radiopaque agent according to the first composition or the second composition.

[0089] First, consider the case where a first composition is selected, which, as detailed above, has the specific characteristics of a polymer being polylactic acid and a radiopaque agent being copper, stainless steel, or brass.

[0090] The product 5 can then be manufactured by extrusion three-dimensional printing - 3D printing or additive manufacturing (also called material extrusion). More precisely, the extrusion is carried out by fused deposition modeling (acronym FDM).

[0091] This technique involves feeding the extrusion head (or extruder) of a 3D printer with polylactic acid and a radiopaque agent. Conventionally, the extrusion head is fed with a coil of the first composition in the form of a filament. However, it is also possible to introduce the polylactic acid and the radiopaque agent into the extrusion head in the form of granules. The extrusion head is heated to melt the first composition, which is then deposited onto the printing bed through the extrusion nozzle. The first composition is thus deposited layer by layer, resulting in the product 5. In fact, the operator can program the 3D printer to obtain any desired shape, i.e., a shape that mimics a bone or part of the skeleton. The printing platform can be heated to improve adhesion of successive layers.

[0092] Three-dimensional printing makes it possible to obtain a hollow product 5 that visually closely resembles a bone or part of the skeleton to be imitated.

[0093] Next, consider the case where a second composition is selected. As detailed above, the second composition has the specific features that the polymer is an epoxy resin or a polyurethane resin, mixed with a hardener, and the radiopaque agent is barium sulfate.

[0094] The product 5 can then be produced by injection according to known methods.

[0095] Typically, a cast of the part that will mimic the bone or skeleton is placed in a box with an opening. The cast can be held in place by a rod that extends outside the box to facilitate subsequent removal. Silicon is then poured into the box through the opening until it covers the cast. After the silicone has hardened (e.g., by vulcanization polymerization), the box mold is removed along with the cast, for example, using a rod provided for this purpose. The silicone mold is made so that the cavity left in the silicone by the mold has the shape of the part that will mimic the bone or skeleton. Finally, a dope resin is poured into the impression in liquid form, and after the dope resin has hardened, it is removed from the mold to obtain the product 5.

[0096] In the special case where the resin used is a polyurethane resin, a foam gun can be used to spray the traces, especially in order to better control the expansion of the polyurethane resin after spraying.

[0097] Once the product 5 is obtained, the step of manufacturing the dummy 3 is carried out. The dummy 3 is formed to encase the product 5 in the same way that the soft tissue of the human body encases the skeleton.

[0098] To do this, two negative molds are used: a first negative mold 9 and a second negative mold 11, which respectively have impressions of the shape of the front and rear faces of the dummy 3 to be manufactured. Finally, a positive mold 13 is also used, which has a relief that at least partially shows the shape of the product 5 that is to be placed in the dummy 3.

[0099] In the example of Figure 8, the resulting dummy 3 is in the shape of a hand. To this end, the first negative mold 9 imprints the shape of the palmar surface (front of the hand), and the second negative mold 11 imprints the shape of the dorsal surface (rear of the hand). The relief on the positive mold 13 represents the shapes of all the bones of the hand: carpals, metacarpals, phalanges, etc. A product 5 (not shown here) has previously been produced that imitates all the bones of the hand.

[0100] As mentioned above, the dummy 3 does not necessarily have to have the outer shape of a part of a human body, and in that case, the front and rear surfaces of the manufactured dummy 3 may have any shape.

[0101] During operation 710, the first negative mold 9 and the positive mold 13 are superimposed to form a cavity delimited by the imprint of the first negative mold 9 on the one hand and the relief of the positive mold 13 on the other hand.

[0102] This operation is shown in Figure 9, where the first negative mold 9 and the positive mold 13 are fitted together. The second negative mold 11 is set aside for the time being.

[0103] During operation 720, silicon is poured between the first negative mold 9 and the positive mold 13. In other words, silicon is poured into the cavity formed by the first negative mold 9 and the positive mold 13.

[0104] During operation 730, the silicone is cured (e.g., vulcanized) and then the positive mold 13 is removed. The cavity of the first negative mold 9 is then filled with silicone. Furthermore, the outer surface of the silicone, i.e., the surface not in direct contact with the first negative mold 9, bears the imprint formed by the positive mold 13.

[0105] During operation 740 , the product 5 is placed in the cavity left by the silicon positive mold 13 .

[0106] During operation 750, the first negative mold 9 and the second negative mold 11 are superimposed, it being understood that the product 5 is then trapped between the first negative mold 9 and the second negative mold 11.

[0107] The superposition of the first negative mould 9 and the second negative mould 11 forms a cavity bounded on the one hand by the outer surface of the silicon which receives the product 5 and on the other hand by the imprint of the second negative mould 11 .

[0108] This operation is shown in Figure 9, where the first negative mold 9 and the second negative mold 11 are fitted together to enclose the product 5. The positive mold 13 is removed and set aside.

[0109] During operation 760, silicone is poured between the first negative mold 9 and the second negative mold 11. In other words, silicone is poured into the cavity formed by the first negative mold 9 and the second negative mold 11 and covers the product 5 therein.

[0110] Finally, during operation 770, the first negative mold 9 and the second negative mold 11 are removed after the silicone has been cured (e.g., vulcanized), and the medical phantom 1 is obtained, including the dummy 3 in which the product 5 is placed.

[0111] In the foregoing, the medical phantom 1 is presented as an ultrasound scanning and radiography training tool that mimics a part of the human body, in particular by the shape of the product 5 which resembles as closely as possible a human bone or part of the human skeleton, and possibly by the shape of the dummy 3. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the medical phantom 1 can also be adapted to mimic a part of the body of an animal of the subphylum Vertebrate and is therefore intended for veterinarians. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0112] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic representation of a medical phantom according to the invention; [Figure 2] 1 shows a medical phantom according to the invention including a human foot dummy. [Figure 3] 1 shows a product for simulating the spine of a medical phantom according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 shows cross-sectional images obtained by ultrasound scanning of a medical phantom according to the present invention that simulates a human hand, and of a real human hand. [Figure 5] 1 shows top-view images obtained by X-ray imaging of a medical phantom according to the present invention that resembles a human hand and a real human hand. [Figure 6] 1 shows the attenuation characteristics of detectors used in radiography. [Figure 7] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a method for manufacturing a medical phantom according to the present invention. [Figure 8] 8 shows a mold used in the method of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 7 including the mold of FIG. 8.

Claims

1. A medical phantom (1) comprising a silicone dummy (3) on which a product (5) for simulating at least one bone is placed, the article (5) is formed from a polymer doped with a radiopaque agent; a first composition wherein the polymer is polylactic acid and the radiopaque agent is selected from copper, stainless steel, and brass; or A medical phantom (1) according to a second composition, in which the polymer is an epoxy resin or a polyurethane resin, mixed with a hardener, and the radiopaque agent is barium sulfate.

2. 2. A medical phantom (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the product (5) is formed according to the first composition in which polylactic acid is doped with copper at a doping level of 14-20%, preferably substantially 18%.

3. 2. The medical phantom (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the product (5) is formed according to the first composition in which polylactic acid is doped with stainless steel at a doping level of 13-27%, preferably substantially 21%.

4. 2. The medical phantom (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the product (5) is formed according to the first composition in which polylactic acid is doped with brass at a doping level of 14-28%, preferably substantially 23%.

5. 2. The medical phantom (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the product (5) is formed according to the second composition in which the polymer is an epoxy resin and is doped with barium sulfate at a doping level of 5 to 18%, preferably substantially 12%.

6. 6. The medical phantom (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the epoxy resin is Resortec 1050 resin and the hardener is 105xS type.

7. 6. The medical phantom (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the epoxy resin is SR GreenPoxy56 resin and the hardener is SD7561.

8. 6. The medical phantom (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said epoxy resin is CHS-EPOXY resin 324 and said hardener is P11.

9. 2. The medical phantom (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the product (5) is formed according to the second composition, in which the polymer is a polyurethane resin and is doped with barium sulfate at a doping level of 20-50%, preferably substantially 33%.

10. 10. The medical phantom (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the polyurethane resin is a formaldehyde resin and the hardener is of the MD type.

11. A method for manufacturing a medical phantom (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising: A step (700) of producing the product (5) from the first composition or the second composition; a step (710) of superimposing a first negative mold (9) containing an imprint of the shape of the front surface of the resulting dummy (3) on a positive mold (13) containing a relief of the shape of the product (5); A step (720) of pouring the silicon between the first negative mold (9) and the positive mold (13); Step (730) of removing the mold (13) after hardening the silicon, the mold (13) leaving an impression of the shape of the product (5) in the silicon; placing (740) the product (5) on the first negative mold (9) within the impression left by the positive mold (13); a step (750) of superimposing the first negative mold (9) with a second negative mold (11) containing an imprint of the shape of the rear face of the resulting dummy (3); A step (760) of pouring the silicon between the first negative mold (9) and the second negative mold (11); and after the silicone is hardened, removing the first negative mold (9) and the second negative mold (11) to obtain the dummy (3) on which the product (5) is placed.

12. 12. The method of claim 11, characterized in that the product (5) is manufactured from the first composition by extrusion three-dimensional printing.

13. 12. A method according to claim 11, characterized in that the product (5) is produced by pouring the second composition in liquid form into the impressions of a mould.

Images