Cadaver Vascularization Simulator with Dynamic Pump Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medico-surgical simulators lack realism and are costly, with vascularization of human cadavers using methods like intra-aortic balloons and liquid infusion being insufficient for replicating the complexities of living body functions during surgical training, and facing potential bans on animal experimentation.
Innovation Solution
A medico-surgical simulator with a vascularization device connected to a cadaver's cardiovascular circuit for realistic blood simulation and a ventilation device connected to the respiratory circuit for realistic gas simulation, using adjustable liquid and gas injection systems with measurement and regulation mechanisms to mimic physiological functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human cadavers are vascularised using conventional methods (intra-aortic balloons, constant pressure infusion), then the simulation can be performed, but the realism is insufficient because living body functions cannot be reproduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing static, constant-pressure infusion systems with a dynamic pump system that generates pulsatile flow. The pump varies injection pressure and flow rate over time to simulate the natural cardiac cycle, creating realistic arterial pressure waves and organ perfusion patterns that mimic living physiology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters from constant to variable: injection pressure varies to simulate systolic/diastolic cycles, flow rate pulsates to match cardiac output patterns, and temperature is maintained at physiological levels. These parameter changes transform the simulation from a static model to a dynamic representation of living body functions.
2Ease of operation
If conventional vascularisation methods are used with manual supervision, then the setup is simpler, but the training effectiveness is reduced due to lack of automated physiological responses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through sensors that continuously monitor simulated blood pressure, flow rate, and other physiological parameters. This data feeds back to the control system, which automatically adjusts pump operations to maintain realistic physiological ranges, enabling automated supervision and more effective training scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-regulation by using sensors to detect physiological parameters and automatically adjusting pump output without human intervention. The vascularised cadaver model itself provides the feedback needed for the system to self-correct and maintain realistic simulations, reducing the need for manual supervision.
3Ease of manufacture
If plastic mannequin-like devices or robotic digital consoles are used, then training can be performed, but the cost of using and maintaining such devices remains very high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a realistic copy of living physiological systems by vascularising actual cadaver tissue with simulated blood circulation. This biological copy provides authentic anatomical structures, tissue responses, and physiological behaviors at a fraction of the cost of high-tech robotic simulators, while maintaining training effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses cadaver-based models that are single-use or limited-use resources, replacing expensive, maintainable robotic systems. While the cadavers themselves are not reusable, the overall system cost is dramatically reduced compared to robotic simulators, and the models can be prepared in advance and stored until needed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If porcine models are used for simulation, then animal experimentation is avoided in the future, but the repetition of surgical movements in clinical situations cannot be adequately trained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal training platform using human cadaver tissue that can simulate various clinical scenarios, surgical procedures, and physiological conditions. This single platform replaces multiple specialized animal models and can be adapted to train for different surgical specialties, providing both future-proofing and comprehensive training capability.
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 simulator provides a high degree of realism by simulating cardiovascular and respiratory functions, allowing for more effective surgical training while reducing costs and avoiding animal experimentation, with adjustable parameters to simulate various scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid injection system arranged to inject a liquid into the cardiovascular circuit and to set at least one injection parameter of the liquid in the cardiovascular circuit
Implementation Method 2
a liquid measurement system arranged to measure at least one parameter representative of a flow of liquid in the cardiovascular circuit
Implementation Method 3
a gas injection system arranged to inject a gas into the respiratory circuit and to set at least one injection parameter of the gas in the respiratory circuit
Implementation Method 4
a gas measurement system arranged to measure at least one parameter representative of a flow of the gas in the respiratory circuit
Implementation Method 5
a regulation device arranged to: read at least one input parameter, set, via the liquid injection system and/or the gas injection system, at least one output parameter according to the at least one input parameter
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a medico-surgical simulator and to a corresponding method. The medico-surgical simulator includes a vascularization device and/or a ventilation device, as well as a regulation device. The medico-surgical simulator is arranged so as to be connected to a cadaver and to vascularize an arterial system of the cadaver via the vascularization device and/or to ventilate a respiratory system of the cadaver via the ventilation device. The regulation device controls the vascularization and ventilation devices in such a way as to simulate cardiorespiratory functions for providing surgical training carried out on the cadaver with a very high degree of realism.