Fluorescent Soft Brain Tissue Model for Multi-Dye Surgical Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical training models fail to provide a faithful, repeatable, and differentiable simulation of fluorescence and healthy/pathological anatomical portions, limiting the effectiveness of training in fluorescence-guided surgeries, particularly in neurosurgery.
Innovation Solution
A composition and method for creating a soft tissue model that simulates fluorescence, using materials like Indiocyanine green (ICG), 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), and fluorescein, with silicone and polycondensates, to replicate the visual and tactile properties of brain tissue, allowing simultaneous training with multiple fluorescence types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical training uses animal models or cadaver preparations, then the realism and fidelity of tissue simulation is improved, but the cost and sustainability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates artificial tissue models that copy the visual and tactile properties of real brain tissue using silicone-based materials with customized mechanical properties. These models replicate the appearance, texture, and fluorescent response of pathological and healthy tissues without using actual biological specimens, thereby maintaining training fidelity while eliminating the high costs and ethical issues associated with animal models and cadavers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials consisting of silicone base polymers combined with fluorescent agents (such as 5-ALA, fluorescein, or ICG) and other additives to create multi-functional training models. These composite materials simultaneously provide realistic tissue mechanics, visual appearance, and fluorescent response characteristics, replacing the need for complex biological specimens while maintaining comprehensive training value
2Adaptability or versatility
If training models simulate multiple fluorescence types, then the versatility and training comprehensiveness is improved, but the material complexity and manufacturing difficulty deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs universal training models that can simulate multiple fluorescence types (5-ALA, fluorescein, and ICG) within the same model structure. By incorporating multiple fluorescent agents into the silicone matrix or using interchangeable fluorescent components, a single model serves multiple training purposes, eliminating the need for separate models for each fluorescence type and thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the enhanced versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic switching between different fluorescence simulation modes within the same model. This can be achieved through interchangeable fluorescent inserts, adjustable fluorescent coatings, or materials that respond differently to various excitation wavelengths, allowing the model to adapt its fluorescent characteristics based on training requirements without requiring multiple static models
3Manufacturing precision
If the model uses realistic fluorescent agents like 5-ALA and ICG, then the visual accuracy of fluorescence simulation is improved, but the material stability and shelf life deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies fluorescent agents locally within specific regions of the model rather than uniformly throughout. This allows the use of highly accurate but less stable fluorescent materials only where needed for training purposes, while the rest of the model structure maintains long-term stability. The fluorescent properties are concentrated in localized pathological tissue regions, minimizing overall material degradation while preserving visual accuracy where required
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 model provides a realistic simulation of brain tissue fluorescence, enhancing training efficiency and effectiveness by allowing surgeons to practice with different fluorescence types on the same model, improving tactile and visual accuracy and compatibility with surgical instruments and imaging equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a first material in particle form suitable for emitting a fluorescence in the near infrared... a second polycondensate suitable for emitting a fluorescence within a range 480-530 nm... a third polycondensate suitable for emitting a fluorescence observed within the field 620-710 nm
Data Source
AI summary
A composition for making a model for simulating soft tissue using indiocyanine green (“ICG”) type fluorescence includes a material in particle form suitable for emitting a fluorescence in the near infrared and including calcium oxide (CaO), copper oxide (CuO), and silicon dioxide (SiO2), or including particles of CaCuO2(SiO2)4. A mixture for making a model for simulating a soft brain tissue using ICG-type fluorescence includes silicone and a composition including a material in particle form suitable for emitting a fluorescence in the near infrared. A model for simulating a soft brain tissue using ICG-type fluorescence includes the mixture.