Collapsible Laparoscopic Training Kit for Portability and Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laparoscopic surgery training systems are expensive, not portable, and difficult to store, and many alternatives do not accurately simulate the conditions required for the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) examination, which is a barrier for medical students and residents preparing for the practical portion.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible and portable laparoscopic surgery training kit made of flexible materials with adjustable loops and rods, allowing configuration into expanded, collapsible, folded, and taut conditions, which includes a camera-compatible design for real-time image display, enabling effective simulation of laparoscopic procedures at a lower cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid box training system is used to accurately simulate FLS conditions, then training accuracy is improved, but portability and storability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The training system employs flexible materials that can dynamically change between rigid (when inflated with air) and soft/collapsible (when deflated) states. The flexible box structure allows it to be rigid during training to maintain simulation accuracy, then collapsible for easy storage and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its physical parameters by controlling air pressure within the flexible box. When air is introduced, the box becomes rigid and maintains its shape for accurate training simulation. When air is removed, the box collapses to a compact form for portability. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between rigidity for accuracy and flexibility for portability.
2Reliability
If a rigid box training system is used to accurately simulate FLS conditions, then training accuracy is improved, but ease of storage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible box structure dynamically transitions between expanded rigid state during training and collapsed compact state for storage. This dynamic transformation allows the system to provide accurate training simulation when needed while occupying minimal storage space when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
By controlling the air pressure parameter, the system transforms from a large-volume rigid structure to a compact collapsed form. The volume parameter changes based on inflation/deflation cycles, resolving the contradiction between maintaining training accuracy (requiring rigid structure) and reducing storage volume.
3Ease of manufacture
If alternative training systems with side slits are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but simulation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible box design with top surface slits serves multiple functions: it accurately simulates the FLS Trainer System configuration, allows for cost-effective manufacturing using flexible materials, and enables the box to be collapsed for storage. The universal design resolves the contradiction between manufacturing cost and simulation accuracy.
4Adaptability or versatility
If expensive camera and monitor systems are included in alternative training systems, then training functionality is improved, but cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible box training system provides a versatile platform that can accommodate various camera and monitor configurations without requiring expensive integrated systems. The basic flexible box structure with proper slit positioning enables training functionality that can be enhanced with affordable external camera and monitor equipment, resolving the contradiction between functionality and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A laparoscopic surgery training kit and method is disclosed. The laparoscopic surgery training kit has improved portability and storability because it is collapsible and foldable. The laparoscopic surgery training kit is assembled by unfolding it into a taut condition and inserting a plurality of rods into a plurality of sleeves on a side panel arrangement to place the laparoscopic surgery training kit into its expanded condition. Holes or slits are provided, which are configured to allow insertion of surgical instruments, such as graspers, and/or configured to allow a camera to view the interior of the laparoscopic surgery training kit. In a preferred embodiment, the camera of a smartphone or tablet device is used, which is placed on the laparoscopic surgery training kit using a stand. The image viewed by the camera is shown to the trainee or examinee as a real-time display, preferably at eye-level. The trainee or examinee uses the one or more surgical instruments to manipulate one or more objects contained within the laparoscopic surgery training kit while viewing the real-time display.