Arthroscopic Shoulder Simulator With Watertight Liquid Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for training and testing arthroscopic procedures using human cadavers are limited by ethical concerns, cost, availability, and anatomical variability, with existing simulation devices failing to replicate the conditions of real surgery, particularly in rotator cuff repair.
Innovation Solution
A surgical simulation device featuring a watertight housing with elastic portals, a bone holder, tendon clamp, and liquid circulation system, designed to mimic the anatomy and conditions of a shoulder joint, allowing for adjustable and realistic simulation of arthroscopic operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If human cadavers are used for training and testing arthroscopic procedures, then anatomical realism and procedural accuracy are improved, but ethical issues, cost, availability, and anatomical variability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a synthetic shoulder model that copies the essential anatomical features of a human shoulder joint without using actual human cadavers. The model includes a housing with a cavity containing a liquid-filled chamber that replicates the joint space, allowing arthroscopic procedures to be practiced on a standardized synthetic structure rather than variable human anatomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the training model from biological human tissue to a controlled synthetic system. The liquid-filled cavity allows adjustment of fluid volume, pressure, and composition to simulate different anatomical conditions, providing consistency while maintaining procedural realism.
2Ease of operation
If human cadavers are used for training, then procedural realism is improved, but cost and availability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The synthetic shoulder model uses inexpensive materials such as a housing structure, liquid filler, and removable portal components. The model can be easily manufactured, cleaned, and reused multiple times without the ethical and financial constraints associated with human cadavers, making it a cost-effective training solution.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using expensive human cadavers, the patent creates a simplified copy of the essential functional elements of a shoulder joint. The model captures the necessary anatomical relationships and procedural challenges using affordable synthetic components that can be mass-produced and reused.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing simulation devices are used, then cost and availability are improved, but realism of surgical conditions worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a liquid-filled cavity that can be pressurized and circulated to simulate the physiological conditions of a real shoulder joint during arthroscopy. The liquid medium allows for realistic manipulation of instruments, blood simulation, and fluid dynamics that closely replicate actual surgical environments, enhancing the reliability and realism of training.
Solution Approach 2:
The model includes dynamic elements such as removable portal openings with elastic inserts that can be inserted and removed during procedures, and a liquid circulation system that can be adjusted to simulate different surgical conditions. This dynamic capability allows the model to adapt to various procedural scenarios while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
4Adaptability or versatility
If standardized synthetic models are created, then ethical issues and cost are improved, but anatomical accuracy worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a standardized overall structure while allowing for localized anatomical variations to be simulated. The housing and cavity provide consistent geometry, but the liquid-filled chamber can be configured to represent different anatomical conditions, and removable components can be adjusted to simulate specific pathologies or anatomical variations as needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides a standardized, cost-effective, and ethically acceptable means to simulate arthroscopic shoulder operations, offering a realistic surgical environment with adjustable anatomical features and liquid circulation, enhancing training and testing accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
liquid circulation system
Implementation Method 2
elastic portals
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a surgical simulation device (1) for an arthroscopic shoulder operation. The device comprises a housing (11). The housing (11) defines a cavity (15), which is watertight and comprises one or more portal openings (23) for accessing the inside of the cavity (15) arthroscopically. The device comprises a bone holder (40) configured to fixate a shoulder bone in the cavity (15) and a tendon holder (50) for fixating an end of the tendon to the housing (11). The tendon holder (50) comprises a releasable tendon clamp (51) for holding a tendon.