Cadaver Vascular Perfusion Model for Realistic Endovascular Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vascular models fail to accurately simulate human blood flow and provide tactile feedback, are limited in simulating vascular surgery techniques beyond the aorta and iliac arteries, and suffer from ethical concerns and anatomical discrepancies in animal models, while cadaver models face issues with perfusate leakage and limited applicability.
Innovation Solution
A vascular model comprising a cadaver with an external drive unit for continuous perfusate flow through the aorta and vena cava systems, allowing for distal perfusion of multiple blood vessels and improved tactile feedback, using perfusate reservoirs and pumps to mimic human blood flow and support a broader range of vascular surgery techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If perfused cadaver models are used to simulate vascular surgery, then anatomical accuracy and tactile feedback are improved, but perfusate leakage and fluid pooling occur causing pressure loss and imaging impairment
Solution Approach 1:
The vascular system is segmented into multiple independent circuits with separate inlets and outlets. The patent establishes multiple inlet sites (aortic arch, thoracic aorta, abdominal aorta) and multiple outlet sites (carotid arteries, subclavian arteries, renal arteries, iliac arteries), creating modular perfusion pathways that isolate leakage events to specific segments rather than compromising the entire system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the perfusion system by adding multiple inlets and outlets to change the flow parameters. This creates redundant pathways that maintain overall perfusion pressure even when leakage occurs in one branch, effectively managing pressure loss through parameter diversification
2Adaptability or versatility
If current cadaver models are used, then main arteries (aorta and iliac arteries) can be studied, but applicability to arterial branches beyond aorta and iliac arteries is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The perfusion model is designed with universal applicability across multiple vascular territories. By establishing multiple inlet sites (aortic arch, thoracic aorta, abdominal aorta) and multiple outlet sites (carotid, subclavian, renal, iliac arteries), a single model can simulate surgery in any arterial branch, making the system multi-functional rather than limited to specific vessels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds dimensional complexity to the perfusion model by creating a three-dimensional network of inlets and outlets distributed throughout the vascular tree, rather than a single linear pathway. This multi-dimensional approach enables study of arterial branches at multiple levels and locations simultaneously
3Object-affected harmful factors
If animal models are used for vascular surgery simulation, then ethical considerations are avoided, but anatomical differences and different tissue handling characteristics reduce simulation accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using animal models, the patent creates a copy of the human vascular system using human cadaver anatomy. This preserves human anatomical accuracy and tissue characteristics while avoiding the ethical issues and anatomical differences inherent in animal models
4Reliability
If perfusate flow is used to simulate blood flow, then active blood-flow mimicry is achieved, but fluid leakage from primary branches causes pooling and opacification on x-ray imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The vascular system is divided into multiple independent perfusion circuits with separate inlet-outlet pairs. This segmentation contains fluid leakage events to specific vascular territories, preventing pooling in critical imaging regions and maintaining x-ray image quality while preserving blood-flow mimicry in other areas
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 provides a more realistic simulation of human blood flow and tactile feedback, enabling a wider range of vascular surgery techniques, including endovascular procedures, with reduced leakage and improved anatomical accuracy compared to existing models.
Implementation Method 1
an external drive unit in fluid communication with a vascular system of the cadaver and with a perfusate reservoir, wherein the vascular system includes an inlet through which perfusate enters an aorta and an outlet through which perfusate exits a primary or higher order branch of an aorto-iliac artery
Implementation Method 2
the external drive unit is configured to generate a continuous flow of perfusate from the inlet to the outlet
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to vascular models, uses thereof and methods for simulating vascular surgery techniques, particularly endovascular surgery techniques.