Fluorescence Training Phantom for Neurosurgery Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current training models for fluorescence-guided surgery and imaging fail to provide an accurate simulation of procedures, particularly in neurosurgery, due to their inability to mimic the realistic biomechanical and fluorescent properties of tissues, which hinders effective training and visualization of pathological abnormalities.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescence training phantom with anatomical mimics and pathological abnormalities that fluoresce, mimicking the behavior of clinical fluorescing agents, is developed. This phantom is created by constructing an anatomical model with realistic biomechanical properties and incorporating a formulation that contains a fluorescing agent, which is frozen and thawed to set within a mold, allowing for accurate simulation of fluorescence-based visualization and image-guidance procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional training models are used for fluorescence-guided surgery simulation, then the training procedure can be performed, but the simulation accuracy of fluorescent properties and tissue differentiation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by incorporating fluorescent agents into the pathological abnormality formulation and adjusting the physical and chemical properties of the anatomical mimic materials to match real tissue characteristics. The formulation includes specific fluorescent compounds that emit light under UV illumination, changing the optical parameters of the training model to accurately simulate clinical fluorescence-guided surgery conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining fluorescent agents with anatomical mimic materials to create a training model that exhibits both realistic tissue properties and fluorescent characteristics. The pathological abnormality is formed using a composite formulation containing fluorescent compounds mixed with the anatomical mimic material, enabling simultaneous visualization of tissue structure and fluorescent signal.
2Measurement precision
If realistic biomechanical properties are incorporated into the anatomical mimic, then tissue simulation accuracy improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the physical and chemical parameters of the anatomical mimic materials to replicate real tissue biomechanical properties. By modifying material composition, viscosity, and curing characteristics, the formulation achieves realistic tissue-like mechanical behavior while maintaining a relatively simple mold-based manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions in the formulation process, where the material transitions from a liquid or semi-liquid state during molding to a solidified state after curing. This phase change enables the material to capture fine anatomical details in the mold while achieving the desired biomechanical properties in the final product, simplifying the manufacturing process.
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 phantom provides a realistic and effective training tool for surgeons, enhancing their ability to differentiate between healthy and pathological tissues, thereby improving surgical precision and minimizing risks during actual procedures by simulating the fluorescence patterns and tissue responses similar to clinical scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
pathological abnormality with fluorescing capability contained therein... fluoresce in a way to mimic fluorescing agents used in clinical applications
Implementation Method 2
freezing and thawing the formulation in the mold and releasing the set formulation from the mold
Implementation Method 3
freezing and thawing the formulation in the mold and releasing the set formulation from the mold
Data Source
AI summary
A anatomical phantom is disclosed containing a pathological abnormality having fluorescing properties to simulate fluorescence training and/or the simulation of medical procedures, such as fluorescence-based methods for intraoperative visualization and image-guidance. The phantom is made of materials that mimic anatomical biomechanical properties and wherein the pathological abnormality contains fluorescing properties to fluoresce in responsive to UV light excitation. The phantom may be a standalone model or may be used in a complementary simulation kit to provide a more comprehensive training approach.