3D Printed Aortic Simulator for Vascular Surgery Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical training for vascular surgeons lacks effective simulation tools that are patient-specific, safe, and accessible, leading to increased risks and longer learning curves due to the reliance on general simulators and limited availability of advanced training equipment in Brazil.
Innovation Solution
A patient-specific simulator of the aorta is developed using 3D printing technology, creating a realistic, translucent, and flexible model of a patient's aorta from CT and MRI images, integrated with a pulsatile flow pump and negatoscope, allowing surgeons to practice procedures in a controlled environment without radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If general simulators are used for vascular surgery training, then training can be conducted, but the training is not patient-specific and exposes patients to risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates physical 3D copies of patient-specific aortic anatomy using additive manufacturing technology. These copies replicate the exact geometric characteristics, branching patterns, and pathological features of individual patient aortas, enabling surgeons to practice procedures on accurate anatomical replicas without exposing actual patients to training risks
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables preliminary surgical planning and practice by creating patient-specific models before actual surgery. Surgeons can rehearse endovascular procedures, test different approaches, and identify potential complications on the 3D printed models, allowing optimization of surgical strategy in advance
2Manufacturing precision
If advanced simulation equipment is made available, then training quality improves, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional integrated system that combines DICOM image acquisition, 3D reconstruction software processing, additive manufacturing, and surgical simulation capabilities into a single platform. This universal system can handle various aortic pathologies, different surgical procedures, and multiple learning levels, reducing the need for multiple separate specialized equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows adjustment of various parameters including model material properties, level of anatomical detail, and simulation complexity to match the specific training needs and skill level of the surgeon, providing flexibility without requiring multiple fixed systems
3Productivity
If traditional training methods are used, then infrastructure requirements are lower, but the learning curve is longer and patient risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/radiological training environment (fluoroscopy-based intraoperative training) with a physical 3D model-based training system. Surgeons can practice procedures on translucent 3D printed models that allow visualization of internal structures without requiring radiation exposure, eliminating the harmful factor while maintaining training effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The 3D printed anatomical models serve as an intermediary between theoretical knowledge and actual patient surgery. These models provide a safe intermediate training medium that replicates real anatomical challenges without the risks associated with actual patient procedures, including radiation exposure and potential patient harm
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention patent refers to a system for vascular-surgery simulation that corresponds to an equipment and system designed to produce, by means of 3D printing using a 3D printer, real images of the aorta of the patients obtained by imagined examinations such as computed tomography and/or nuclear magnetic resonance in order to enable doctors to acquire complex skills and/or to refine their operating techniques, training in a controlled environment and with suitable guidance, without putting the patient at risk, being characterized in that it comprises connectors (2) made of silicone, pulsating flow pump (3), negatoscope (4), black box (5), camera (not shown) and monitor (6) such as to reproduce, in silicone or translucent resin, the aortic arch, thoracic aorta, abdominal aorta and the iliac arteries.