Bionic Spinal Model With X-Ray and Nerve Proximity Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spinal surgical models fail to realistically replicate surgical environments, particularly in simulating dynamic physiological conditions, blood vessels, nerves, and soft tissues, and lack authentic tactile feedback and X-ray imaging, hindering immersive training for spinal endoscopic surgery.
Innovation Solution
A bionic spinal model incorporating a radiopaque bionic spinal body with a simulated muscle and skin layer, a proximity-sensitive warning mechanism, and a surgical fluid environment, along with a cortical bone layer for X-ray imaging, is developed using polyurethane and SAN emulsion materials to mimic human anatomy and provide tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional static anatomical spine structures are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but realism and immersion in simulating surgical environments deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials including polyurethane foam for the spinal body, silicone rubber for soft tissues, and radiopaque materials for bone structures. This combination creates a multi-material model that simultaneously achieves anatomical realism, tactile feedback, and X-ray imaging capability while maintaining manageable manufacturing complexity through integrated molding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the bionic spinal body contains internal cavities housing nerve bundles and blood vessels, which are further nested within muscle layers and skin layers. This hierarchical nesting replicates the complex anatomical organization of the human spine, providing realistic surgical simulation without requiring separate external components.
2Reliability
If frame-type structures are used, then manufacturing ease is maintained, but tactile feedback and fluid dynamics simulation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the viscoelastic properties of polyurethane foam and silicone rubber to replicate the tactile characteristics of human spinal tissues. By carefully selecting and tuning material parameters such as hardness, elasticity, and fluid viscosity, the model provides authentic tactile feedback during surgical manipulation while maintaining feasibility through standard molding and casting techniques.
3Reliability
If static structures without physiological elements are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but simulation of dynamic physiological conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates hydraulic systems with fluid reservoirs and circulation channels to simulate blood flow and other physiological fluids within the spinal model. This hydraulic integration enables dynamic fluid movement through the nested anatomical structures, providing realistic simulation of bleeding, irrigation, and tissue perfusion during surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates proximity-sensitive warning mechanisms that detect the position of surgical instruments relative to critical structures such as nerve bundles. This feedback system provides real-time alerts to trainees, enhancing the educational value by simulating the critical decision-making required during actual spinal surgery without adding significant mechanical complexity.
4Reliability
If models without X-ray imaging capability are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but preoperative imaging simulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies radiopaque materials selectively to specific regions of the bionic spinal body, such as vertebral bodies and bone structures, while maintaining radiolucency in soft tissue regions. This localized application of contrast materials enables authentic X-ray imaging simulation for preoperative planning and intraoperative navigation training without requiring throughout radiopacity that would compromise soft tissue realism.
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 bionic spinal model offers a realistic platform for endoscopic spinal surgery training by replicating X-ray imaging, internal structure, surgical fluid dynamics, and nerve tactile feedback, enhancing surgical proficiency and decision-making.
Implementation Method 1
The bionic spinal body is radiopaque
Implementation Method 2
The bionic nerve body comprises a proximity-sensitive warning mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
A bionic spinal model, including: a base body; an enclosure; a bionic spinal body disposed on the base body and being radiopaque; a simulated muscle layer surrounding the bionic spinal body; and a simulated skin layer overlaying the simulated muscle layer. The bionic spinal body comprises an internal cavity and a bionic nerve body; the bionic nerve body is disposed in the internal cavity; and the bionic nerve body comprises a proximity-sensitive warning mechanism. The model successfully simulates key aspects of real spinal surgery, including X-ray imaging, internal anatomical structures, a surgical fluid environment, and neural proximity feedback, providing a realistic training platform to improve endoscopic spinal surgical skills.