Anatomical Endoscopic Training Model with Modular Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic training methods for veterinary professionals face challenges such as the need for live animals, high costs of commercial simulators, lack of realism, and difficulty in transporting and maintaining training equipment, which limits the availability and effectiveness of training opportunities.
Innovation Solution
A Flexible and Rigid Endoscopic training Device (FRED) that provides anatomically realistic, inexpensive, and reusable training simulations for endoscopic procedures, allowing for realistic visual and tactile feedback without the need for dedicated computers or software, and can be easily transported and cleaned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If live animals are used for endoscopic training, then training realism and skill development are improved, but animal welfare is compromised and training availability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a synthetic anatomical model that copies the essential structural and functional characteristics of live animal gastrointestinal tracts. The model includes flexible walls, luminal surfaces, and anatomical structures that replicate real tissue properties, allowing endoscopic procedures to be practiced without using actual animals. This copying approach maintains training realism while eliminating animal welfare concerns.
2Ease of operation
If commercial simulation systems are used, then training realism is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The training system is divided into separate modular components including an anatomical model, endoscopic instruments, and training modules. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using cost-effective methods and enables the system to be assembled and disassembled for transport and storage, significantly reducing overall cost while maintaining training quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable or easily replaceable anatomical models and training components that can be manufactured at low cost. Rather than investing in expensive, complex commercial simulation systems, the design uses affordable materials and simple constructions that can be produced locally and replaced when worn or damaged, reducing financial barriers to training.
3Ease of operation
If complex simulation equipment is used, then training quality is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of transport increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential training function from complex computer-based simulation systems and implements it through a simplified physical anatomical model. By removing unnecessary electronic components, software requirements, and complex mechanisms, the design achieves training quality through direct tactile and visual interaction with a realistic anatomical structure that can be easily transported and stored.
4Productivity
If cadavers are used for training, then training availability is improved, but tissue manipulation ability deteriorates due to lack of motility
Solution Approach 1:
The anatomical model incorporates flexible, pliable tissues that can be manipulated and deformed during endoscopic procedures. The model's walls and structures are designed to respond dynamically to instrumentation, allowing practitioners to practice tissue manipulation, instrument insertion, and procedural techniques on a living-like structure that maintains softness and flexibility throughout the training session.
Data Source
AI summary
An anatomically realistic model for training in minimally invasive procedures. The model includes an outer shell resembling the appropriate animal or human being with openings for accessing the interior cavity of the shell. Modules within the interior cavity are operably connected to the openings to permit external access to the modules. The modules comprise different mechanical components configured to represent an organ or anatomical feature. Spacers within the interior cavity provide structure and maintain placement of the modules and sufficiently realistic tactile feedback during an endoscopic procedure.