Cranial Bio-Model Spacer Layer for Drill Clutch Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional surgical training methods using cadavers are limited by ethical and cost constraints, and require accurate anatomical representations specific to each patient's pathology, which is difficult to achieve with normal anatomy simulations.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional bio-model comprising a synthetic skull layer, a synthetic dura layer with a spacer layer, and optional synthetic skin and anatomical structures, manufactured using medical image data and 3D printing, to simulate cranial surgical procedures accurately, including the response to surgical tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a synthetic skull layer and synthetic dura layer are placed in direct contact to simulate cranial anatomy, then anatomical accuracy is improved, but the simulation of surgical tool response (drill clutch release) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A spacer layer is introduced between the synthetic skull layer and synthetic dura layer to act as an intermediary element. This spacer layer has different mechanical properties than the skull or dura alone, creating a gap that allows drill clutches to release while still maintaining overall anatomical accuracy of the bio-model structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If a complete bio-model with multiple layers is used for each simulated procedure, then simulation accuracy for specific patient pathology is improved, but cost and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bio-model is segmented into a reusable base piece containing the synthetic skull layer and a disposable insert containing the synthetic dura layer and spacer layer. The base piece can be reused across multiple procedures, while only the insert is discarded after each use, reducing material waste while maintaining patient-specific accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables recovery and reuse of the base piece structure while the insert is discarded after a single use. This selective discarding approach minimizes waste of expensive materials while ensuring each procedure has a fresh, accurate insert for that specific patient's pathology.
3Ease of operation
If cadavers are used for surgical training, then realistic surgical practice is improved, but ethical and religious restrictions and high costs worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using actual cadavers, the invention creates accurate synthetic copies of cranial anatomy including skull, dura, and pathology-specific features. These 3D printed bio-models replicate the essential surgical characteristics needed for training while eliminating ethical, religious, and cost issues associated with cadaver use.
Data Source
AI summary
A cranial bio-model including a skull layer and a dura layer and method of manufacturing a cranial bio-model. A three dimensional bio-model for simulating a simulated cranial surgical procedure, the bio-model comprises a synthetic skull layer, a synthetic dura layer under the synthetic skull layer, and a spacer layer between the synthetic skull layer and the synthetic dura layer. The bio-model may be manufactured based on medical image data using three-dimensional printing.