Visceral Model Using Foam-Hydrogel Laminate for Surgical Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pseudo visceral models lack the realistic texture and sensation required for effective surgical simulations, particularly in dissection, incision, and resection, as they do not adequately replicate the unique feel of actual human tissues.

Innovation Solution

A pseudo visceral model comprising a foam layer with a hydrogel structure, which includes a polysaccharide and a polyvinyl alcohol gel, providing a laminate structure that mimics the texture and feel of real tissues, suitable for simulations such as dissection, incision, and localized injection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If animals' viscera and tissues are used for simulations, then the cost is reduced and ethical problems are avoided, but the shape, size, and texture do not match actual human viscera and tissues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetexture replication accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite material system consisting of a gel layer (providing tissue-like texture) and a foam layer (providing structural support and shape). This composite structure enables the model to replicate both the texture and shape of actual human viscera, resolving the contradiction between texture accuracy and manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs materials with specific physical parameters - the gel layer uses materials with elasticity and viscosity parameters matching human tissues, while the foam layer uses materials with appropriate density and compressibility parameters. By carefully selecting and adjusting these material parameters, the model achieves realistic tissue replication without requiring actual animal or human tissues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If soft material molded articles are used, then the basic shape is achieved, but the unique texture and sense of dissection required for visceral models is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesense of dissectionVSAvoidlayer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the visceral model into distinct functional layers: a gel layer that provides tissue-like texture and dissection sensation, and a foam layer that provides structural support. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function - the gel layer for realistic texture and the foam layer for shape maintenance - thereby achieving the sense of dissection without excessive overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the model - the gel layer is designed with specific elasticity and viscosity characteristics to provide realistic dissection sensation, while the foam layer is designed with appropriate density and compressibility for structural support. This local differentiation of material qualities enables the model to provide authentic tissue feedback during surgical simulations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 offers a realistic texture and sensation, enhancing the effectiveness of surgical simulations by providing a more accurate representation of human tissues, suitable for various surgical procedures and equipment development.

Implementation Method 1

a gel layer containing a hydrogel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGel: Gel

Implementation Method 2

a foam layer containing a hydrogel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrogel: Hydrogel

Data Source

PatentUS10713973B2Model of viscera, tissues, or organs
Publication Date: 2020.07.14 SUNARROW CO LTD
  • US10713973B2 patent drawing
  • US10713973B2 patent drawing
  • US10713973B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a pseudo visceral model having a specific texture.A model of viscera, tissues, or organs comprising a foam layer containing a hydrogel.