Medical simulator

Abstract

To provide a medical simulator that allows for easy training in multiple endoscopic procedures. [Solution] A medical simulator 1, which is one embodiment to which the present invention is applied, comprises a flexible tubular organ model 10 that mimics the shape of a tubular organ, and a storage case 20 in which the tubular organ model 10 is housed, wherein the tubular organ model 10 has a first part (rectal part) that mimics a predetermined part of the tubular organ, a second part (inferior sigmoid colon part) that has a specific part which is the target to be processed by training in endoscopic techniques and which mimics a part different from the predetermined part of the tubular organ, and a connecting part 30 that connects the first part and the second part and can be switched between a connected state and a disconnected state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical simulator, and particularly to a medical simulator for training endoscopic procedures.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a medical simulator for training endoscopic procedures such as endoscopic examination and treatment of luminal organs, there has been one in which a lumen model simulating the shapes of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum is housed in a housing case. In such a conventional medical simulator, a fluid is made to flow inside the wall portion of the lumen model formed of a flexible material such as silicone rubber, and by controlling the fluid pressure of the fluid, a behavior closer to that of the digestive tract of a subject on whom an actual endoscopic procedure is being performed is reproduced, enabling training of an endoscopic procedure close to actual practice (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in training for resection, a type of endoscopic procedure involving tubular organs, the tubular organ model is modified by removing or suturing parts of it. Once a tubular organ model has been modified, it cannot be reused, and with conventional medical simulators as described above, the entire simulator had to be replaced. Furthermore, because tubular organ models are made of flexible materials as described above, they are prone to wear and tear, and can be damaged by training that simply involves inserting the endoscope multiple times. In such cases, with conventional medical simulators as described above, the entire simulator had to be replaced with a new one. In particular, medical simulators for very long tubular organ models, such as the upper gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, etc.) and lower gastrointestinal tract (small intestine, large intestine, etc.), are large, making simulator replacement extremely cumbersome. In short, there was a need to easily conduct training on multiple endoscopic procedures, such as resection, using a single medical simulator.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of these problems, and one of its objectives is to provide a medical simulator that allows for easy training in multiple endoscopic techniques. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve at least some of the above-mentioned problems and can be realized in the following examples of applications. The reference numerals and supplementary explanations in parentheses in this section are provided to aid in understanding the present invention and indicate its correspondence with the embodiments described later; they do not limit the present invention in any way.

[0007] A medical simulator (1, 100) as an application example of the present invention comprises a flexible tubular organ model (10, 110) that mimics the shape of a tubular organ, and a storage case (20, 120) in which the tubular organ model is housed. The tubular organ model has a first part (11, 111, etc.) that mimics a predetermined part of the tubular organ, a specific part (40, 52, 54, etc.) that is the target of processing by training in endoscopic techniques, a second part (12, 112, etc.) that mimics a part of the tubular organ different from the predetermined part, and a connecting part (30) that connects the first part and the second part and can be switched between a connected state and a disconnected state.

[0008] In the medical simulator of the above-described application example, the first and second parts may have a locking part (15e) that engages with the connecting part to restrict rotation about the axis of the tubular organ when connected by the connecting part. In the medical simulator of the above-described application example, the specific part (40) may have a shape that mimics an abnormal condition occurring in the mucosa of the tubular organ and may be detachably provided to the second part. In the medical simulator of the above-described application example, the specific part may have a shape that mimics a raised tumor occurring in the mucosa of the tubular organ and may be configured to be hollow. In the medical simulator of the above-described application example, the second part (51) may have a specific part with a shape that mimics a raised tumor occurring in the mucosa of the tubular organ formed on its inner wall, and the inner wall perpendicular to the specific part may be hollow.

[0009] In the medical simulator of the above-described application example, the connecting portion may be configured to be detachably fixed to the storage case. In the medical simulator of the above-described application example, the storage case (20) may be configured to have movement restricting portions (27a, 27b) that restrict the movement of the movable second portion within the storage case to a first movement mode or a second movement mode. In the medical simulator of the above-described application example, the storage case (120) may have an insertion portion (125) formed with an insertion passage (126) for the endoscope to pass through when the endoscope is inserted into the inside of the stored tubular organ model, and the insertion portion may be configured to change the mode of the insertion passage to a first insertion mode or a second insertion mode. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is an overall diagram showing the schematic configuration of the medical simulator 1 of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an overall diagram showing the schematic configuration of the tubular organ model 10 in the medical simulator 1. [Figure 3] (A) is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the ascending colon portion 15 in the tubular organ model 10, and (B) is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the connecting portion 30 in the tubular organ model 10. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the schematic configuration of the first specific part 41a, the second specific part 41b, and the third specific part 41c, which constitute the specific part 40 that is attached to the tubular organ model 10. [Figure 5] (A) is a diagram illustrating the state in which the specific part 40 is provided to the tubular organ model 10, and (B) is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the specific part 51, which is another embodiment. [Figure 6] This is an overall diagram showing the schematic configuration of the first case section 20a of the storage case 20 in the medical simulator 1. [Figure 7] This figure shows the schematic configuration of the second case section 20b of the storage case 20 in the medical simulator 1. [Figure 8]This is an overall diagram showing the schematic configuration of the medical simulator 100 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] This is an overall diagram showing the schematic configuration of the tubular organ model 110 in the medical simulator 100. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the insertion section 125 and the connecting mechanism 13 in the medical simulator 100. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described below, and various forms can be taken as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0012] <Description of the configuration of the medical simulator 1 in the first embodiment> Referring to Figure 1, the overall configuration of the first embodiment of the medical simulator 1, which is an example of an embodiment to which the present invention is applied, will be described first. Figure 1 is an overall diagram showing the schematic configuration of the medical simulator 1.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the medical simulator 1 is for training endoscopic techniques such as inserting an endoscope through the anus, and comprises a tubular organ model 10 shaped like the large intestine, and a storage case 20 that houses the tubular organ model 10 and has an insertion hole 25 formed inside the tubular organ model 10 for inserting an endoscope. The tubular organ model 10 is made of a flexible material such as silicone rubber.

[0014] Referring to Figures 2 to 5, the configuration of the tubular organ model 10 in the medical simulator 1 will now be described. Figure 2 is an overall diagram showing the schematic configuration of the tubular organ model 10 in the medical simulator 1. Figure 3(A) is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the ascending colon portion 15 in the tubular organ model 10, and (B) is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the connecting portion 30 in the tubular organ model 10. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the first specific portion 41a, the second specific portion 41b, and the third specific portion 41c, which constitute the specific portion 40 attached to the tubular organ model 10. Figure 5(A) is a diagram illustrating the state in which the specific portion 40 is provided to the tubular organ model 10, and (B) is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of a specific portion 51, which is another embodiment.

[0015] As shown in Figure 2, the tubular organ model 10 is shaped like the large intestine and consists of a rectal portion 11 that mimics the anal canal, lower rectum, and upper rectum; a lower sigmoid colon portion 12 that mimics the rectosigmoid junction and the lower part of the sigmoid colon; an upper sigmoid colon portion 13 that mimics the upper part of the sigmoid colon; a transverse colon portion 14 that mimics the descending colon, transverse colon, and part of the ascending colon; an ascending colon portion 15 that mimics part of the ascending colon; a cecum portion 16 that mimics the cecum; and five connecting portions 30 that connect these multiple portions and are fixed to the storage case 20 (for example, it is sufficient if at least one connecting portion 30 is fixed). To describe the structure of the tubular organ model 10 in more detail, the rectal portion 11 and the lower sigmoid colon portion 12 are connected by a connecting portion 30, the lower sigmoid colon portion 12 and the upper sigmoid colon portion 13 are connected by a connecting portion 30, the upper sigmoid colon portion 13 and the transverse colon portion 14 are connected by a connecting portion 30, the transverse colon portion 14 and the ascending colon portion 15 are connected by a connecting portion 30, and the ascending colon portion 15 and the cecum portion 16 are connected by a connecting portion 30. An opening (anus) for inserting an endoscope into the tubular organ model 10 is formed at the anal canal end of the rectal portion 11 that is not connected to the lower sigmoid colon portion 12. Furthermore, in the tubular organ model 10 of this embodiment, the six parts described above are connected by five connecting parts 30, but it is also possible to have a configuration in which more than six parts are connected by multiple connecting parts 30, or a configuration in which fewer than six parts are connected by multiple connecting parts 30.

[0016] Taking the ascending colon part 15 in the luminal organ model 10 as shown in Fig. 3(A) as an example, the configuration of each of the plurality of parts constituting the luminal organ model 10 will be described. The ascending colon part 15 is molded so that a cylindrical main body part 15a and flange parts 15b and 15c at both ends of the main body part 15a are formed. Further, a convex part 15d that fits into a groove part 32a etc. of a connecting part 30 described later is formed on the flange part 15b, and when the convex part 15d fits into the groove part 32a etc. of the connecting part 30, a locking part 15e is formed that restricts rotation (rotation in the circumferential direction of the main body part 15a) about the axis of the luminal organ model 10 and functions as positioning when fitting. Although not shown, in the flange part 15c, convex parts and locking parts similar to those of the flange part 15b are formed on the surface facing the convex part 15d and the locking part 15e of the flange part 15b. Further, in the luminal organ model 10, at the end connected to the lower sigmoid colon part 12 of the rectum part 11, at both ends of each of the lower sigmoid colon part 12, the upper sigmoid colon part 13, and the transverse colon part 14, and at the end connected to the ascending colon part 15 of the cecum part 16, flange parts having convex parts and locking parts similar to those of the above-described ascending colon part 15 are formed.

[0017] As shown in Figure 3(B), the connecting portion 30 comprises two ring-shaped ring portions 31a and 31b, a hinge portion 33 that foldably connects the ring portions 31a and 31b, a locking male portion 35a formed at the end of the ring portion 31a, and a locking female portion 35b formed at the end of the ring portion 31b. One surface of the ring portion 31a has a groove portion 32a shaped to fit the protrusions and locking portions of the flange portions of each part of the tubular organ model 10, and one surface of the ring portion 31b has a groove portion 32b shaped similarly to the groove portion 32a. Here, for example, the case in which the ascending colon portion 15 and the cecum portion 16 are connected by the connecting portion 30 will be described. First, the flange portion 15b of the ascending colon portion 15 is passed through the hole in the ring portion 31a of the connecting portion 30 from the side where the groove portion 32a is not formed, and the convex portion 15d and locking portion 15e of the flange portion 15b are fitted into the groove portion 32a. Next, the flange portion of the cecum portion 16 is passed through the hole in the ring portion 31b from the side where the groove portion 32b is not formed, and the convex portion and locking portion of the flange portion of the cecum portion 16 are fitted into the groove portion 32b. Then, the ring portion 31a into which the ascending colon portion 15 is fitted and the ring portion 31b into which the cecum portion 16 is fitted are folded at the hinge portion 33, and the connecting portion 30 is locked when the locking female portion 35b is fitted into the locking male portion 35a, the ascending colon portion 15 and the cecum portion 16 are connected by the connecting portion 30. When connected by the connecting portion 30 in this manner, for example, the surface of the flange portion of the ascending colon portion 15 that does not have a protrusion and a locking portion, and the surface of the flange portion of the cecum portion 16 that does not have a protrusion and a locking portion, face each other, and the inner tubular portions of the two portions are connected in a state of communication. Furthermore, since the protrusions and locking portions of the flange portions of each portion are fitted into the grooves of the connecting portion 30, rotation of the tubular organ model 10 around its axis (circumferential rotation of the main body portion 15a) is restricted at the connected portions, and the orientation and positional relationship between the portions is predetermined (close to the structure of an actual tubular organ) (see Figure 2). In addition, when the lock is released at the connecting portion 30 by detaching the lock male portion 35a from the lock female portion 35b, only a predetermined portion can be removed.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 4, the specific part 40 is formed in a shape imitating an abnormal state occurring in the mucosa of a luminal organ with a flexible material such as silicone rubber, and is provided by being inserted through a through-hole formed in the wall of a predetermined part of the luminal organ model 10, and is composed of fitting together two of a first specific part 41a and a second specific part 41b or a third specific part 41c. As shown in FIG. 4(A), the first specific part 41a is composed of a tumor-shaped part 42a having a shape imitating a raised tumor occurring in the mucosa of a luminal organ, a flange part 44a that serves as a stopper when inserted into the through-hole, and a cylindrical part 46a having a cylindrical shape disposed inside the wall of the luminal organ when inserted into the through-hole. As shown in FIG. 4(B), the second specific part 41b is composed of a flange part 44b that serves as a stopper when inserted into the through-hole in a shape imitating an ulcer occurring in the mucosa of a luminal organ, and a cylindrical part 46b having a cylindrical shape disposed inside the wall of the luminal organ when inserted into the through-hole. As shown in FIG. 4(C), the third specific part 41c is composed of a flange part 44c that serves as a stopper when inserted into the through-hole, and a cylindrical part 46c having a cylindrical shape disposed inside the wall of the luminal organ when inserted into the through-hole.

[0019] As shown in Figure 5(A), when the specific part 40 is provided on the tubular organ model 10, the inner wall of the tubular organ model 10 takes on a shape that mimics an abnormal condition that occurs in the mucosa of a tubular organ, which is the target of processing during training in endoscopic techniques. For example, if the specific part 40 consists of a first specific part 41a and a second specific part 41b, and the first specific part 41a is provided in a through-hole formed in the tubular organ model 10 so as to be exposed from the inner wall of the tubular organ model 10, when the first specific part 41a and the second specific part 41b are fitted together, the cylindrical part 46a of the first specific part 41a fits inside the cylindrical part 46b of the second specific part 41b, so that the specific part 40 becomes hollow. Furthermore, in a specific part 40 consisting of a first specific part 41a and a third specific part 41c, if the first specific part 41a is provided in a through-hole formed in the tubular organ model 10 so as to be exposed from the inner wall of the tubular organ model 10, when the first specific part 41a and the third specific part 41c are fitted together, the cylindrical part 46a of the first specific part 41a fits inside the cylindrical part 46c of the third specific part 41c, so that the specific part 40 becomes hollow. When these specific parts 40 are provided on the tubular organ model 10, the nodular part 42a of the first specific part 41a is provided so as to protrude into the inside of the tubular organ model 10, so that a raised tumor is formed on the inner wall of the tubular organ model 10, and the specific part 40 is hollow so that the mucosa below the tumor can extend. Furthermore, if the specific part 40 consists of a first specific part 41a and a second specific part 41b, and the flange portion 44b of the second specific part 41b is provided in the through hole so that it is exposed from the inner wall of the tubular organ model 10, then it is possible to create a state in which an ulcer (flange portion 44b of the second specific part 41b) is formed on the inner wall of the tubular organ model 10.

[0020] Referring to Figure 5(B), another embodiment, the specific part 51, will now be described. The specific part 51 is a part that is interchangeable with a predetermined part in the tubular organ model 10, and is made of the same material as the predetermined part and has a shape that mimics the predetermined part. However, unlike the predetermined part, a nodule-shaped part 52 and a nodule-shaped part 54, which mimic the shape of a raised tumor that occurs on the mucosa of a tubular organ, are formed on the inner surface of the wall part 51a. Furthermore, inside the wall part 51a of the specific part 51 where the nodule-shaped part 52 is formed, a hollow part 53 is formed with a diameter larger than the diameter of the nodule-shaped part 52 in the direction in which the wall part 51a extends, and with a substantially elliptical cross-section. Furthermore, inside the wall part 51a of the specific part 51 where the nodule-shaped part 54 is formed, a hollow part 55 is formed with a diameter that is substantially the same length as the diameter of the nodule-shaped part 52 in the direction in which the wall part 51a extends, and with a substantially circular cross-section. By replacing such a specific part 51 with a predetermined part, it is possible to create a state in which a raised tumor is formed on the inner wall of the tubular organ model 10, and to create a structure in which the area below the tumor is hollow and the mucosa extends. In the specific part 51, either the tumor-shaped part 52 and the hollow part 53, or the tumor-shaped part 54 and the hollow part 55 may be formed, or multiple of each may be formed.

[0021] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the configuration of the storage case 20 in the medical simulator 1 will now be described. Figure 6 is an overall diagram showing the schematic configuration of the first case section 20a of the storage case 20 in the medical simulator 1. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the second case sections 20b and 20c of the storage case 20 in the medical simulator 1. Note that the storage case 20 is composed of the first case section 20a and the second case section 20b or the second case section 20c combined.

[0022] As shown in Figure 6, the first case section 20a has a wall section 21 configured to surround the stored tubular organ model 10, a base section 22 that combines with the second case section 20b or the second case section 20c, and a cutout section 23 formed in the base section 22. The cutout section 23 is formed to communicate with the second case section 20b or the second case section 20c that is combined with the first case section 20a, as will be described later, and is mainly the part where the rectal portion 11 of the stored tubular organ model 10 is placed. In addition, although not shown, the first case section 20a has a fixing section formed therein to fix each or at least one of the multiple connecting sections 30 in the stored tubular organ model 10 when the tubular organ model 10 is stored with multiple connecting sections 30.

[0023] As shown in Figure 7, the second case section 20b and the second case section 20c are box-shaped and have a receiving section 24 that communicates with the cutout section 23 when combined with the first case section 20a, and an insertion hole 25 formed on the side for inserting medical devices such as endoscopes. The receiving section 24 has a hole (not shown) that communicates with the insertion hole 25, and an inclined surface section 26 that slopes from the top surface toward the hole (insertion hole 25) on the side, and has a stepped section 27b or stepped section 27c that is interchangeably provided to create a step on the inclined surface 26. In the receiving tray portion 24, the rectal portion 11, the lower sigmoid colon portion 12, and the upper sigmoid colon portion 13 of the stored tubular organ model 10 are placed on it, and the opening (anus) of the rectal portion 11 is connected to the hole, but the connecting portion 30 that connects the rectal portion 11, the lower sigmoid colon portion 12, and the upper sigmoid colon portion 13 is not fixed to the storage case 20. As shown in Figure 7(A), in the second case portion 20b provided with a stepped portion 27b, the stepped portion 27b is the part on which the lower sigmoid colon portion 12 and the upper sigmoid colon portion 13 of the stored tubular organ model 10 are placed, and grooves are formed therein that restrict the movement of the placed lower sigmoid colon portion 12 and the upper sigmoid colon portion 13 in a predetermined direction (first movement mode). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7(B), in the second case section 20c provided with the stepped section 27c, the stepped section 27c is a portion on which the lower sigmoid colon section 12 and the upper sigmoid colon section 13 are placed, similar to the stepped section 27b. However, a groove is formed therein that restricts the movement of the placed lower sigmoid colon section 12 and the upper sigmoid colon section 13 to a predetermined direction different from that of the stepped section 27b (second movement mode).

[0024] <Description of the configuration of the medical simulator 100 in the second embodiment> Referring to Figures 8 to 10, the overall configuration of a second embodiment of the medical simulator 100, which is an example of an embodiment to which the present invention is applied, will now be described. Figure 8 is an overall diagram showing the schematic configuration of the medical simulator 100. Figure 9 is an overall diagram showing the schematic configuration of the tubular organ model 110 in the medical simulator 100. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the insertion part 125 and the connecting mechanism 13 in the medical simulator 100.

[0025] As shown in Figure 8, the medical simulator 100 is for training endoscopic techniques such as inserting an endoscope or the like through the mouth, and includes a tubular organ model 110 shaped like the upper digestive tract, which is a tubular organ; a storage case 120 for housing the tubular organ model 110; an insertion part 125 formed inside the tubular organ model 110, which has an oral cavity portion 126 shaped like the mouth that serves as an insertion opening for inserting medical devices such as an endoscope; and a connecting mechanism 130 that rotatably connects the insertion part 125 to the storage case 120. Furthermore, in the medical simulator 100, by rotating the rotatable insertion part 125 via the connecting mechanism 130, it is possible to change between a first insertion mode simulating a subject lying on their back and a second insertion mode simulating a subject lying on their back with only their face turned to the side (turned to the side at a predetermined angle from a frontal position).

[0026] As shown in Figure 9, the tubular organ model 110 is made of a flexible material such as silicone rubber and is shaped to resemble the upper digestive tract. It consists of a laryngeal portion 111 that resembles the larynx, a cervical esophageal portion 112 that resembles the cervical esophagus, a thoracic esophageal portion 113 that resembles the thoracic esophagus, a stomach portion 114 that resembles the stomach, a duodenal portion 115 that resembles the duodenum, a jejunal flexure portion 116 that resembles the duodenojejunal flexure, and five connecting portions 30 that connect these multiple portions and are fixed to a storage case 120 or the like (for example, it is sufficient if at least one connecting portion 30 is fixed). Furthermore, to describe the configuration of the tubular organ model 110 in more detail, the laryngeal portion 111 and the cervical esophageal portion 112 are connected by a connecting portion 30, the cervical esophageal portion 112 and the thoracic esophageal portion 113 are connected by a connecting portion 30, the thoracic esophageal portion 113 and the stomach portion 114 are connected by a connecting portion 30, the stomach portion 114 and the duodenal portion 115 are connected by a connecting portion 30, and the duodenal portion 115 and the jejunal flexure portion 116 are connected by a connecting portion 30. The configuration of each portion in the tubular organ model 110 of this embodiment is the same as that of the tubular organ model 10 of the first embodiment described above, and flange portions and the like are formed so that they are connected by a connecting portion 30. Furthermore, in the tubular organ model 110 of this embodiment, in addition to the configuration in which the six parts are connected by five connecting parts 30 as described above, there may also be a configuration in which more than six parts are connected by multiple connecting parts 30, or a configuration in which fewer than six parts are connected by multiple connecting parts 30. Moreover, in the tubular organ model 110, similar to the tubular organ model 10 of the first embodiment described above, there may also be a configuration in which a specific part 40 is provided, or there may be a configuration in which a nodular part 52 such as a specific part 51 and a hollow part are formed in some parts.

[0027] As shown in Figure 10, when the tubular organ model 110 is stored in the storage case 120 and insertion section 125, the laryngeal section 111 is stored inside the insertion section 125 so as to communicate with the oral cavity section 126 of the insertion section 125, and the cervical esophagus section 112, thoracic esophagus section 113, stomach section 114, duodenal section 115, and jejunal flexure section 116 are stored in the storage case 120. Furthermore, in the insertion section 125, only the laryngeal section 111 is fitted so as to communicate with the oral cavity section 126. Therefore, in response to the change between the first and second insertion modes by rotation via the connecting mechanism 130 of the insertion section 125, only the laryngeal section 111 of the tubular organ model 110 rotates in the same direction as the insertion section 125, causing the cervical esophagus section 112 and the like to twist. Furthermore, similar to the rotation patterns of the face (neck) in actual test subjects, the rotation mechanism 130 may have a stopper that restricts rotation at the point where the insertion portion 125 is rotated 60 degrees to the left or right.

[0028] <Features of the medical simulator 1,100 of this embodiment> The medical simulator 1,100 of the above-described embodiment comprises flexible tubular organ models 10, 110 that mimic the shape of a tubular organ, and storage cases 20, 120 in which the tubular organ models 10, 110 are housed, wherein the tubular organ models 10, 110 are characterized by having a first part, such as a rectal part 11 that mimics a predetermined part of a tubular organ, a second part, such as a lower sigmoid colon part 12 that mimics a part different from the predetermined part of a tubular organ and has a specific part 40 that is the target to be processed by training in endoscopic techniques, and a connecting part 30 that connects the first part and the second part and can be switched between a connected state and a disconnected state.

[0029] In such a medical simulator 1,100, for example, if a specific part 40 of the second part is modified by excision or other means during endoscopic technique training, only this second part can be removed and replaced with a new one. In other words, in the medical simulator 1,100, the connection at the connecting part 30 can be released, and only the specified part can be replaced with a new one. For example, in the tubular organs of Japanese people, cancer is generally more likely to occur in the rectum and sigmoid colon than in other parts, so it is necessary to perform endoscopic technique training on these areas multiple times. Therefore, with such a medical simulator 1,100, multiple endoscopic technique training sessions can be easily performed on a single medical simulator by simply replacing a part, such as the second part, which has been modified by endoscopic techniques, for example, the lower sigmoid colon part 12 with the specific part 40, with a new one.

[0030] Furthermore, according to the medical simulator 1,100 of the above-described embodiment, the first part, such as the rectal part 11, and the second part, such as the lower sigmoid colon part 12, are characterized in that they have locking parts 15e that are locked to the connecting part 30 so as to restrict rotation of the tubular organ relative to the axis when connected by the connecting part 30. With the medical simulator 1,100 of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent misalignment between the parts connected by the connecting part 30, which would hinder the insertion of an endoscope into the tubular organ model 10, etc., which would not occur in an actual subject. This allows for smoother training and enables training that is closer to actual endoscopic techniques on an actual subject.

[0031] Furthermore, according to the medical simulator 1,100 described above, the specific part 40 is shaped to mimic an abnormal condition occurring in the mucosa of a tubular organ and is detachably attached to a second part such as the lower sigmoid colon part 12. In such a medical simulator 1,100, for example, if only the specific part 40 is modified by excision or other means during endoscopic technique training, only the modified specific part 40 can be removed and replaced with a new one. Therefore, with such a medical simulator 1,100, multiple endoscopic technique training sessions can be easily performed on a single medical simulator by simply replacing parts, such as replacing only the modified specific part with a new one. Moreover, with such a medical simulator 1,100, since only the specific part 40 is shaped to mimic an abnormal condition in the mucosa of a tubular organ, training in endoscopic techniques can be performed in a medical simulator that closely resembles an actual subject, allowing for training that is closer to actual endoscopic technique on a real subject and further improving the technique.

[0032] Furthermore, according to the medical simulator 1,100 of the above-described embodiment, the specific part 40 is characterized by being hollow and having a shape that mimics a raised tumor that occurs in the mucosa of a tubular organ. Here, for example, when removing a tumor such as a polyp in a tubular organ by endoscopic mucosal resection, there are times when the tumor is grasped or aspirated in order to create a cut surface in the submucosa, and during this operation, the mucosa beneath the tumor stretches. With such a medical simulator 1,100, because the specific part 40, which is shaped like a tumor, is hollow, it is possible to create a configuration in which the mucosa beneath the tumor stretches, allowing for training that is closer to actual endoscopic techniques on a real subject, and further improving the technique.

[0033] Furthermore, according to the medical simulator 1,100 of the above-described embodiment, the second part, such as the lower sigmoid colon portion 12, is characterized in that a tumor-shaped portion 52, etc., which mimics the shape of a tumor that occurs in the mucosa of a tubular organ, such as the specific part 51, is formed on the inner wall, and the inner wall portion perpendicular to the tumor-shaped portion 52, etc., is hollow. With such a medical simulator 1,100, multiple endoscopic technique training sessions can be easily performed on a single medical simulator by simply replacing some parts, such as replacing only the specific part 51 that has been processed through endoscopic technique training with a new one. In addition, with such a medical simulator 1,100, because the tumor-shaped portion 52, etc., in the specific part 51 is hollow, it is possible to create a configuration in which the mucosa below the tumor stretches, allowing for training that is closer to actual endoscopic technique on a real subject and further improving the technique.

[0034] Furthermore, according to the medical simulator 1,100 of the above-described embodiment, the connecting portion 30 is detachably fixed to the storage case 20. With such a medical simulator 1,100, only the second portion, such as the inferior sigmoid colon portion 12, can be removed from the storage case 20 and replaced with a new one, so the storage case can be reused, and only certain portions can be easily replaced. Also, for example, in the large intestine, some portions such as the transverse colon are fixed to the body, while some portions such as the sigmoid colon are not fixed to the body. With such a medical simulator 1,100, by fixing a predetermined connecting portion 30 from among the multiple connecting portions 30 to the storage case, the tubular organ model can be made to resemble the tubular organ of an actual subject, so that training that is closer to actual endoscopic techniques can be performed on an actual subject, and the technique can be further improved.

[0035] Furthermore, according to the medical simulator 1 of the above-described embodiment, the storage case 20 is characterized by having stepped sections 26a and 26b that serve as movement restricting sections that restrict the movement of a second section, such as the lower sigmoid colon section 12, which is movable within the storage case 20, to a first movement mode or a second movement mode. Here, in an actual subject, the sigmoid colon is not fixed to the body, so the movement of the sigmoid colon takes on various forms depending on the subject's physique, etc. With such a medical simulator 1, since the movement restricting sections such as the stepped section 27a can be replaced with ones of various shapes, the movement of the second section, such as the lower sigmoid colon section 12, can be made to be closer to the movement of an actual subject, and training that is closer to actual endoscopic techniques can be performed on an actual subject, thereby further improving the technique.

[0036] Furthermore, according to the medical simulator 100 of the above-described embodiment, the storage case 120 has an insertion section 125 in which an oral cavity portion 126 is formed, which serves as an insertion path for the endoscope when the endoscope is inserted into the stored tubular organ model 110. The insertion section 125 is characterized in that the configuration of the oral cavity portion 126 can be changed to a first insertion configuration that mimics a state in which the subject is lying on their back, or a second insertion configuration that mimics a state in which only the face of a subject lying on their back is turned to the side (turned to the side at a predetermined angle from a frontal position). With such a medical simulator 100, it is possible to create a configuration that is closer to the posture of an actual subject, and training that is closer to actual endoscopic techniques on a real subject can be performed, thereby further improving the technique.

[0037] <Other examples> In the medical simulator 1,100 of the above-described embodiment, the specific part 40 is shaped to mimic an abnormal condition occurring in the mucosa of a tubular organ, for example, a raised tumor or ulcer, and is intended to be removed by resection in endoscopic surgery. However, it is not limited to this and may be shaped to mimic various abnormal conditions. Specifically, for example, the specific part may be shaped to mimic an ulcer that has occurred in the mucosa, but is detachably provided in a shape that allows for suturing of the mucosa at the edge of the mucosal defect. Alternatively, it may be a specific area where a specific part mimicking a sutureable ulcer is formed. A medical simulator utilizing such a specific part or specific area can be used for training in suturing, one of the endoscopic surgery techniques, and can further improve this technique.

[0038] The present invention has been described above based on embodiments and modifications. However, the embodiments of the invention described above are for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention and do not limit it. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit and claims, and the present invention includes equivalents thereof. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0039] 1,100...Medical simulator, 10,110...Luminous organ model, 11...Rectum section (1st or 2nd section), 12...Inferior sigmoid colon section (1st or 2nd section), 13...Upper sigmoid colon section (1st or 2nd section), 14...Transverse colon section (1st or 2nd section), 15...Ascending colon section (1st or 2nd section), 16...Cecum section (1st or 2nd section), 20,120...Storage case, 30...Connector Part, 40...Specific part, 27a, 27b...Step part (movement restriction part), 111...Laryngeal part (first or second part), 112...Cervical esophageal part (first or second part), 113...Thoracic esophageal part (first or second part), 114...Stomach part (first or second part), 115...Duodenal part (first or second part), 116...Jejunal flexure part (first or second part), 125...Insertion part, 126...Oral cavity part.

Claims

1. A medical simulator comprising a flexible tubular organ model that mimics the shape of a tubular organ, and a storage case in which the tubular organ model is housed, The aforementioned tubular organ model is, A first part that mimics a predetermined part of the tubular organ, A second part having a specific part that is the target to be processed by training in endoscopic techniques, and which mimics a part different from the predetermined part of the tubular organ, A connecting part that connects the first part and the second part and can be switched between a connected state and a disconnected state, A medical simulator with built-in medical equipment.

2. In the medical simulator according to claim 1, The first and second portions each have a locking portion that engages with the connecting portion such that rotation around the axis of the tubular organ is restricted when they are connected by the connecting portion. A medical simulator characterized by the following features.

3. In the medical simulator according to claim 1 or claim 2, The specified portion has a shape that mimics an abnormal condition occurring in the mucous membrane of the tubular organ and is detachably attached to the second portion. A medical simulator characterized by the following features.

4. In the medical simulator described in claim 3, The aforementioned specific part is shaped to resemble a raised tumor that occurs on the mucous membrane of the tubular organ, and is hollow. A medical simulator characterized by the following features.

5. In the medical simulator according to claim 1 or claim 2, The second portion has a specific part formed on its inner wall that mimics the shape of a raised tumor that occurs on the mucous membrane of the tubular organ, and the inner wall portion perpendicular to the specific part is hollow. A medical simulator characterized by the following features.

6. In the medical simulator according to claim 1, The connecting portion is detachably fixed to the storage case. A medical simulator characterized by the following features.

7. In the medical simulator according to claim 6, The storage case has a movement restricting unit that restricts the movement of the second movable part within the storage case to a first movement mode or a second movement mode. A medical simulator characterized by the following features.

8. In the medical simulator according to claim 6, The storage case has an insertion section in which an insertion path is formed for the endoscope to pass through when the endoscope is inserted into the inside of the stored tubular organ model. The insertion portion is capable of changing the configuration of the insertion path to a first insertion configuration or a second insertion configuration. A medical simulator characterized by the following features.

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