Anatomical Breast Model with Removable Tissue Layers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of teaching models specifically designed to demonstrate the underlying anatomical structures of the chest wall, implant placement pockets, and breast implant complications in breast augmentation and reconstruction procedures, which hinders effective patient and physician education and leads to unsatisfactory surgical outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A life-size, anatomically correct female torso model with a fabric chest wall and symmetrical pectoralis major muscle layers, secured with hook and loop fasteners, allowing for the demonstration of breast implant placement in various pockets and visualization of complications, including malposition, rotation, and asymmetries, using currently available breast implants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional teaching methods (2D images, verbal descriptions) are used to educate patients and physicians about breast augmentation anatomy and procedures, then the educational content can be delivered without complex physical models, but the understanding and visualization of three-dimensional anatomical structures, implant placement pockets, and surgical outcomes is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the human breast anatomy using fabric layers representing skin, breast tissue, and pectoralis major muscle, along with a foam chest wall. This physical model replicates the essential three-dimensional anatomical structures and implant placement pockets without requiring a complete human body, thus reducing complexity while maintaining educational value for demonstrating surgical procedures and outcomes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional educational materials (images, diagrams) to a three-dimensional physical model that allows patients and physicians to visually and tactilely understand anatomical structures, implant positioning, and surgical outcomes from multiple angles, significantly improving spatial comprehension
2Manufacturing precision
If detailed anatomical models with multiple tissue layers are created to accurately demonstrate surgical procedures, then the educational accuracy and visualization quality improve, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible fabric layers to represent different tissue layers (skin, breast tissue, pectoralis major muscle) instead of rigid or complex materials. These fabric layers can be easily cut, shaped, and attached to the foam chest wall, achieving anatomical accuracy while maintaining ease of manufacture and allowing for straightforward assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 2:
The model combines different materials (foam for chest wall, fabric for tissue layers, hook and loop fasteners for attachment) to create a composite structure that balances anatomical realism with manufacturing simplicity. Each material is selected for its specific properties that facilitate both accuracy and ease of construction
3Adaptability or versatility
If removable tissue layers are incorporated to allow demonstration of implant placement and complications, then the educational versatility and demonstration capability improve, but the device complexity and assembly requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the breast anatomy into separate removable layers (skin layer, breast tissue layer, pectoralis major muscle layer) that can be independently manipulated, removed, and repositioned. This segmentation allows educators to demonstrate various surgical procedures, implant placements, and complications by selectively removing or adjusting specific layers without requiring complete disassembly of the model
Solution Approach 2:
The model incorporates dynamic elements through removable and repositionable tissue layers that can be adjusted during demonstrations. The hook and loop fasteners enable quick attachment and detachment of layers, allowing the model to transition between different educational states (intact breast, elevated tissue, exposed implant pocket) without permanent modifications
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 model enhances patient and physician education, improving surgical outcomes and reducing reoperation rates by providing a visual, three-dimensional anatomic model for understanding and practicing breast augmentation, reconstruction, and revision procedures, enabling better informed consent and hands-on training for plastic surgery residents.
Implementation Method 1
symmetrical pectoralis major muscle layers that are secured to the chest wall and symmetrical breast tissue layers that are secured over the pectoralis muscle layers... secured with hook and loop fasteners
Data Source
AI summary
A model or mannequin is provided for use in the field of medicine to teach anatomic body structure and demonstrate surgical procedures and techniques. The teaching model is designed as a life size replica of a female torso. The model is designed to be an anatomically correct replica including a torso portion with a fabric chest wall, symmetrical pectoralis major muscle layers that are secured to the chest wall and symmetrical breast tissue layers that are secured over the pectoralis muscle layers. Currently available breast implants are utilized by the educator to demonstrate the placement of the implants in various pockets. If necessary the breast tissue, and muscle layers can be elevated to reveal the deeper tissue layers.