Cadaverous Heart Model for Surgical Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical training methods using cadavers are limited by the need for whole cadavers, which are expensive and difficult to store, and do not allow for realistic simulation of mobile or dynamic scenarios, such as emergency room settings, due to tissue edema and fluid dynamics issues, and lack a true functional heart valve model for training and research.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for creating a mobile, anatomically accurate, and cost-effective surgical training model using portions of cadavers or synthetic cardiovascular branches, with simulation blood that accurately simulates natural clotting and responds to pharmaceutical agents, and a reanimated cadaveric heart model for direct visualization of heart valves through fluoroscopic and echocardiographic views.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If whole cadavers are used for surgical training, then training realism is improved, but cost and storage difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining realismVSAvoidcost and storage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by using only specific portions of cadavers (such as heart, lungs, or extremities) rather than whole cadavers for training models. This allows the training realism to be maintained through anatomical accuracy while significantly reducing cost and storage requirements compared to maintaining entire cadaveric specimens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and utilizes specific cadaveric tissues and organs for creating training models, separating the useful functional components from the unnecessary portions. This extraction approach enables the creation of portable, cost-effective training models that maintain medical accuracy without requiring expensive whole cadaver preservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Manufacturing precision

If cadaveric tissue is used for training models, then anatomical accuracy is improved, but mobility and adaptability to dynamic scenarios decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanatomical accuracyVSAvoidmobility and scenario adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates dynamic elements into the training models by integrating mobile platforms (such as gurneys or carts) that allow the cadaveric specimens to be moved between different training locations. This enables the models to adapt to various training scenarios including operating rooms, emergency departments, and simulation centers while preserving anatomical accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The training models are designed with universal applicability across multiple training scenarios and environments. The portable design allows the same anatomical model to serve different training purposes in different settings, enhancing versatility while maintaining the anatomical precision provided by cadaveric tissue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If simulation blood is used to replace real blood, then safety and controllability are improved, but accuracy in simulating natural clotting and pharmaceutical responses decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety and controllabilityVSAvoidclotting and pharmaceutical response accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent formulates simulation blood with carefully controlled parameters including viscosity, density, and coagulation properties that closely match human blood. By adjusting these parameters, the simulation blood can accurately replicate natural clotting processes and responses to pharmaceutical agents while maintaining safety and controllability for training purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a copy of real blood properties through simulation blood that replicates key characteristics such as clotting behavior, viscosity, and response to medications. This copying approach allows safe and controllable training while maintaining sufficient accuracy to simulate real physiological responses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Illumination intensity

If clear fluid is used in the heart model, then visualization of heart valves is improved, but ability to simulate real blood flow dynamics decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisualization clarityVSAvoidfluid dynamics simulation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different fluid properties to different regions of the heart model. Clear fluid is used in specific chambers or vessels where visualization of heart valves is critical, while other areas may contain blood substitutes or dyes that provide better fluid dynamics simulation. This local differentiation allows both visualization clarity and simulation accuracy to be optimized in their respective locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables realistic and mobile surgical training across various scenarios, reduces costs by using cadaveric tissue portions, and provides a functional heart valve model for studying valve function and fluid dynamics, improving training and research accuracy with controlled coagulation properties and clear fluid visualization.

Implementation Method 1

simulation blood that accurately simulates natural clotting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoagulation: Coagulation

Implementation Method 2

direct visualization of heart valves through fluoroscopic and echocardiographic views

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluoroscopy: Flourographene

Implementation Method 3

direct visualization of heart valves through fluoroscopic and echocardiographic views

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEchocardiography: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS20240249646A1Cadaverous heart model
Publication Date: 2024.07.25 MAXIMUM FIDELITY SURGICAL SIMULATIONS LLC
  • US20240249646A1 patent drawing
  • US20240249646A1 patent drawing
  • US20240249646A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A cadaverous heart model and methods of making and using the cadaverous heart model are provided. The cadaverous heart model may remain within the chest cavity of the cadaver (in situ) or may be explanted (ex vivo). The efferent and afferent vessels of the heart are ligated and one or more of the heart chambers are cannulated to permit the infusion of fluid. Video cameras or other means for visualizing the flow of fluid and opening and closing of valves are applied internally or proximally externally. Pumps and inflatable bladders are used to effect the flow of fluid within the heart model.