A rat biomodel for training in medical craniotomy techniques

Abstract

The present invention relates to a surrogate model of a laboratory rat used in craniotomy training. In this regard, the present invention provides a rat model for training medical craniotomy techniques, comprising a body (2) having four legs (21) and a tail (22) similar to that of a rat, and a head (1), the body (2) and the head (1) being connectable (3), and the head (1) comprising a rigid skull. TIFF2023511157000002.tif203121

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THEINVENTION The present invention relates to an animal simulator model, more particularly to an animal simulator biomodel for the performance of craniotomy in rats. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Background of the Invention The use of different animal species in investigations is a practice that has been adopted in scientific fields for centuries. However, laboratory animal science did not emerge as a specialized field until the 1950s. In this sense, scientific research has used rodent animals as models, since their physiological and genetic characteristics are close to those of humans.

[0003] In particular, the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) species is widely used in animal research due to its adaptability and ability to survive in a wide variety of climates, yet is easy to manage and has a high reproductive potential, making it particularly attractive to science.

[0004] For this reason, the rat (Rattus norvegicus) is a laboratory animal that is widely used in research and in practical teaching in biomedical science courses, in particular in experimental studies in neuroscience and in training in surgical techniques, such as craniotomy.

[0005] Craniotomy is performed in restorative neurosurgery procedures and experimentally in the study of neurological diseases, injuries, tumors, aneurysms, and fractures. In procedures using rats as guinea pigs, if the surgeon is not sufficiently experienced, there is a high risk of damaging the animal's brain, causing irreversible damage to the animal, or even causing the animal's death.

[0006] For this reason, at least, a spurring effort would be to train this technique in artificial models that mimic animal ecology, in order to reduce the suffering experienced by these animals during experimental procedures.

[0007] This type of training has already been achieved in animals for oral drug administration and venous blood sampling. In these cases, artificial replicas of the animals (biomodels) have been created so that technicians can perform the technique in a model before performing it in the real animal. However, a suitable model for training craniotomy in rats is still unknown.

[0008] For example, Bioseblab sells a product called "Rat training simulator - BIO-RAT" that can be purchased from their website (https: / / www.bioseblab.com / en / experimental-models / 583-rat-training-simulator.html (Non-Patent Document 1)), which is essentially a model for learning the necessary handling techniques and surgical skills without the need for the use of live animals.

[0009] The commercially available model includes skin with real animal texture, a rotating head, a flexible body for easy handling, visible blood vessels from the animal's tail, a detachable tail, and a blood reservoir. Therefore, this model can be satisfactorily used to practice venous material collection techniques in rats.

[0010] The company Erler-Zimmer sells a product called the Mimolette Lab Rat on its internet site (https: / / www.erler-zimmer.de / shop / en / veterinary / miscellaneous / 10440 / mimolette-lab-rat), which is a mannequin created with features to put an end to the practice of using live rats for training in endotracheal intubation, cardiac puncture, and saphenous vein blood sampling.

[0011] On the other hand, Braintree, on its website ( https: / / www.braintreesci.com / prodinfo.asp?number=CU RVET (Non-Patent Document 3) offers a product called the CurVet Rat Training Simulator, which includes realistic dermatological skin suitable for training in injections via most conventional routes; microchip identification implantation; handling and restraint; oral dosing; a caudal vein ideal for blood sampling; intravenous dosing; and flexible catheter insertion.

[0012] The document "Three-dimensional printing: review of application in medicine and hepatic surgery" (Yao, et al, 2016) provides the use of 3D printing (three-dimensional printing - 3DP) methods in the medical field, for example as an educational tool, training tool or for preoperative preparation. This document gives examples of the use of 3DP to create models used for educational purposes of anatomical structures, organs or tissues that are realistically represented with these models.

[0013] The paper further highlights a study by Costello et al., who used 3DP to print a high-fidelity cardiac model and incorporated it into the teaching of 29 medical students. They found that the students showed significant improvements in knowledge acquisition and conceptualization of structures with the use of the model. According to the paper, this type of innovative simulation-based educational approach can create new opportunities to stimulate student interest in different domains.

[0014] Thus, although this study is not specific to the rat model for training in surgical intervention practices, it clearly demonstrates the importance of this type of practice for science.

[0015] The paper "Fracture Surface Analysis of 3D-Printed Tensile Specimens of Novel ABS-Based Materials" (Perez, ART; Roberson, DA; Wicker, RB, 2014: Non-Patent Document 5), on the other hand, attempted to add reinforcing materials to the mechanical properties of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) in an attempt to generate materials with improved physical properties for 3DP applications. According to this paper, two of the most widely used materials for extrusion of 3DP materials are acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and polylactic acid (PLA) due to their dimensional stability and low glass transition temperature.

[0016] From the above, it is clear that in the current state of the art, it is already widely recognized that the use of biomodels to train procedures that would normally be performed on live guinea pigs is a recommended practice.

[0017] In particular, with regard to the use of rats as guinea pigs, to which the invention described herein focuses, it is widely recognized that they should be saved from some of the pain and injury caused by mishandling by unskilled technicians, and that these animals should be saved from at least a small portion of the suffering they experience during various experiments.

[0018] However, currently, rat biomodels (artificial rats) are made from silicone and have lifelike skin, trachea, stomach, and throat, so the current models are only useful for performing procedures such as administering medication orally to the animals using a pipette, injecting intravenous fluids into the tail, and inserting a feeding tube into the throat.

[0019] Thus, although the prior art already has rat biomodels aimed at training medical and surgical techniques, no rat biomodel has been identified that meets the specific goal aimed at by the present invention, i.e., a rat biomodel that allows training in medical craniotomy techniques.

[0020] As will be described in further detail below, the present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art in a practical and effective manner. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0021] [Non-Patent Document 1] https: / / www.bioseblab.com / en / experimental-models / 583-rat-training-simulator.html [Non-Patent Document 2] https: / / www.erler-zimmer.de / shop / en / veterinary / miscellaneous / 10440 / mim olette-lab-rat [Non-Patent Document 3] https: / / www.braintreesci.com / prodinfo.asp?number=CU RVET [Non-Patent Document 4] “Three-dimensional printing: review of application in medicine and hepatic surgery” (Yao, et al, 2016) [Non-Patent Document 5] “Fracture Surface Analysis of 3D-Printed Tensile Specimens of Novel ABS-Based Materials” (Perez, ART; Roberson, DA; Wicker, RB, 2014) Summary of the Invention

[0022] The present invention aims to provide a biomodel rat for training medical craniotomy techniques.

[0023] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a rat model for training craniotomy techniques, which includes a body with four legs 21 and a tail similar to that of a rat, and a head, the body and the head being interconnectable, and the head including a hard skull. [The present invention 1001] A rat model for training medical craniotomy techniques, comprising a head (1) and a body (2) having four legs (21) and a tail (22) similar to that of a rat, the body (2) and the head (2) being connectable (3), and the head (1) comprising a hard skull. [The present invention 1002] A rat biomodel according to the present invention, characterized in that the hard skull is filled with a reddish colored gelatinous substance (10). [The present invention 1003] The rat biomodel of the present invention 1001 or 1002, characterized in that it is manufactured by 3D printing technology. [The present invention 1004] The rat biomodel of any one of inventions 1001 to 1003, characterized in that the hard skull is produced using ivory white ABS monofilament. [The present invention 1005] A rat biomodel according to any one of claims 1001 to 1004, characterized in that the body (2) of the biomodel is made of silicone and is provided with elements that are anatomically similar to a real rat, such as the pharynx, larynx, trachea, stomach, and tail vein (22). [The present invention 1006] A rat biomodel according to any one of claims 1001 to 1005, characterized in that the skull contains a translucent, hydrophobic, moldable silicone film inside. [The present invention 1007] A rat biomodel according to any one of claims 1001 to 1006, characterized in that it includes a strain gauge sensor adapted to measure the cross-sectional depth of the skull and the stress applied to the skull. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] The detailed description set forth below refers to the accompanying drawings and their respective reference numerals.

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 shows a rat biomodel of the present invention with the head and body highlighted. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a rat biomodel of the present invention with the head fitted to the body. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 shows a dorsal view of the head of the rat biomodel of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 shows a top view of the head of a rat biomodel of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Detailed Description of the Invention It should be emphasized at the outset that the following description begins with a preferred embodiment of the invention, but as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to this particular embodiment.

[0027] As previously described, the rat model of the present invention was developed to replace rats in craniotomy training, to provide researchers with an opportunity to improve their techniques and, consequently, to reduce the number of rats required for studies requiring access to their brains.

[0028] Figure 1 shows the rat biomodel of the present invention with the head 1 and body 2 highlighted. The connection 3 between the head 1 and body 2 can be better seen in Figure 2.

[0029] More broadly, the present invention provides a rat model for training medical craniotomy techniques, which includes a body 2, similar to that of a rat, having four legs 21 and a tail 22, and a head 1. An element of the present invention that makes this biomodel special and suitable for use in training craniotomy techniques is that the body 2 and head 1 are connectable 3, and the head 1 includes a rigid skull.

[0030] Preferably, the body 2 of this biomodel is made from a softer material, such as silicone, and externally, the body 2 has a texture similar to that of the body 2 of a real rat.

[0031] Optionally, the body 2 of this biomodel may be provided with elements (e.g., pharynx, larynx, trachea, stomach, and tail vein 22) that are anatomically similar to a real rat and allow simulation of various procedures, such as oral dosing of the animal with a pipette, intravenous injection into the tail 22, and insertion of a feeding tube into the throat. Thus, this biomodel may be used both for craniotomy and for training other techniques of interest.

[0032] Figures 3 and 4 show the back and top views of the head 1 of the rat biomodel of the present invention. In these figures, it can be seen that the hard skull is filled with a gelatinous material 10 (preferably red) that has a similar texture to the animal's brain. Thus, with this optional configuration, the training experience becomes even more realistic.

[0033] Preferably, the biomodel is produced by 3D printing technology, which has proven to be very accurate and realistic in terms of reproducing various objects. For modeling, 3D printing can use the software Blender (freeware), and the model can be based on the structure of the skull of a taxidermized adult male rat.

[0034] In this arbitrary configuration, the average skull dimensions would be 4.5 cm overall length, 3.0 cm jaw length, 1.2 cm width, and 2 mm thickness, however these dimensions may be varied and therefore do not constitute a limitation on the scope of the invention.

[0035] Optionally, the rigid skull is fabricated using an ivory-white ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) monofilament. The choice of this fiber in the actual prototype was based on its close resistivity to bone material. However, this feature remains optional and other materials could be used instead.

[0036] To allow the user to visualize the proximity of the brain during dissection, the 3D skull frame can be made with a thickness similar to that found in an adult rat skull. Such a thickness can be, for example, 0.5 mm.

[0037] Additionally, the skull may be filled with a gelatinous material 10 (PVA base, sodium borate and food coloring) that simulates a brain. In this configuration, if the user, during training, exceeds the limits intended by the technique being used, the material filling the skull will leak out, indicating to the user that they have punctured the skull of an animal.

[0038] To provide a better finish and make the model more realistic, the eyes may optionally be modeled using the same gel-like material 10 that fills the skull (brain) of the model and may be colored red.

[0039] Furthermore, the biomodel may include whiskers, for example made with white sutures and attached to the nose of the model with white glue. Obviously, whiskers can be made in different ways and therefore this does not constitute a limitation of the scope of the invention.

[0040] It is important to note that the independent manufacture of the head 1, which allows it to be attached 3 and detached, is designed to facilitate replacement of heads 1 already used in the procedure, thus keeping the body 2 reusable. Thus, after training and use of the model skull, only the head 1 needs to be replaced so that the body 2 can be reused indefinitely. The present invention is therefore highly advantageous in reducing waste and costs associated with total replacement of models.

[0041] It should be noted that the formation of the connection 3 between the body 2 and the head 1 can be varied, and therefore any type of connection 3 can be adopted. Any fixing elements between these elements can also be adopted, such as screws, magnets, etc. Thus, the selection of the type of connection 3 does not constitute a limitation of the scope of the present invention.

[0042] Optionally, the skull may be provided with a moldable hydrophobic, translucent silicone film that may be useful for simulating the dura mater, the outermost of the three meninges that surround a real brain.

[0043] Optionally, a configuration is provided in which strain gauge based sensors are connected to software for the user to monitor the depth of the skull cross section and the stresses applied to the simulator during training, in which case the user can be notified in real time whether they are performing the technique being practiced in the correct way or if they should make some kind of adjustment (force / pressure or depth).

[0044] Thus, based on the description in this application, the rat model of the present invention achieves in an effective manner its intended purpose of providing an alternative model for the use of animals for training in the experimental phase of neuroscience projects where craniotomy is required.

[0045] This biomodel can be applied to train researchers and graduate students to master craniotomy, replacing the use of animals in training this procedure.

[0046] Optionally, this biomodel may be sold as a kit containing five heads 1 (or as many heads as deemed necessary) and bodies 2 made from 3D printed ABS material. Additionally, heads 1 may be sold individually to reduce the cost of purchasing these training tools.

[0047] Many variations are possible which affect the scope of protection of this application, and therefore the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations / embodiments described above.

Claims

1. A rat biomodel for training medical craniotomy techniques, comprising a head (1) and a body (2) having four legs (21) and a tail (22) similar to those of a rat, wherein the body (2) and the head (2) are connectable (3), and the head (1) comprises a hard skull.

2. 2. The rat biomodel according to claim 1, characterized in that the rigid skull is filled with a reddish colored gelatinous substance (10).

3. The rat biomodel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is manufactured by 3D printing technology.

4. The rat biomodel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the hard skull is made of ivory white ABS monofilament.

5. A rat biomodel as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the body part (2) of the rat biomodel is made of silicone and is provided with elements that are anatomically similar to a real rat, such as the pharynx, larynx, trachea, stomach, and tail vein (22).

6. The rat biomodel according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the skull comprises an internal translucent, hydrophobic, moldable silicone film.

7. The rat biomodel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises strain gauge-based sensors adapted to measure the cross-sectional depth of the skull and the stress applied to the skull.

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