In-situ Surgical Training Apparatus with Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing training devices and systems for surgical procedures like RF ablation in vertebral bodies are insufficiently thorough, leading to inaccurate placement of tools and probes, causing unnecessary pain and medical malpractice due to inadequate training, and fail to simulate human body temperature and tool angle control.
Innovation Solution
An in-situ training apparatus comprising a base with a heating element, transparent upper and lower plates simulating vertebral bodies, and hinged clamps for precise placement and orientation of tools and probes, using biological material to simulate the disc space and maintain body temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing training devices are used, then training can be provided, but the training is insufficiently thorough leading to inaccurate placement of tools and probes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a realistic copy of the surgical environment using transparent plates etched with vertebral body outlines, biological material simulating disc space, and actual surgical instruments. This copy allows trainees to practice accurate tool placement in a setting that replicates real surgical conditions, thereby improving both measurement precision and training reliability without requiring actual patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent upper plate allows visual tracking of tool insertion through the biological material, enabling trainees to observe and learn the precise path and depth of probe insertion. The transparency transforms the invisible insertion process into a visible learning opportunity, improving placement accuracy through visual feedback.
2Temperature
If existing training devices are used, then training is provided, but they fail to simulate human body temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The heating apparatus actively controls the temperature of the biological material to simulate human body temperature (approximately 37°C). This parameter change transforms the training device from a static model to a dynamic environment that replicates the thermal conditions of actual surgery, enhancing the realism and adaptability of the training experience.
3Measurement precision
If existing training devices are used, then basic training is provided, but they are incapable of providing in-situ measurement and visualization of separations in tool, trocar, and RF probe angle and depth control
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent upper plate acts as an intermediary that enables visualization of the insertion path and depth of tools through the biological material. Trainees can directly observe the angle and depth of probe insertion in real-time, providing immediate visual feedback on their technique without requiring complex external measurement devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The training device segments the learning process into observable components: the etched vertebral outlines provide spatial reference, the transparent plate shows insertion angle, and the biological material indicates depth through resistance and visual tracking. This segmentation allows trainees to independently assess and improve each aspect of their technique.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If existing training devices are used, then training is provided, but they result in occasional unnecessary pain suffered by patients due to procedures performed by inadequately trained professionals
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables trainees to perform preliminary practice sessions with actual surgical instruments in a realistic environment before performing procedures on patients. By rehearsing tool placement, angle control, and depth insertion repeatedly in the training model, professionals gain the competence needed to avoid unnecessary patient pain during actual procedures.
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 apparatus provides healthcare professionals with accurate training in tool placement and orientation, reducing the risk of medical malpractice and improving procedural accuracy by simulating real-world conditions, including temperature and angle control.
Implementation Method 1
a base, a heating apparatus supported by the base
Data Source
AI summary
A training device simulating ablation of a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies. A heating apparatus includes an upper surface. A lower plate is provided on the upper surface of the heating apparatus. An upper substantially transparent plate is fixed by a frame above the lower plate. The upper plate is etched with an outline of a vertebral body. Fixed in position proximate the lower frame, the upper plate holds a biological material compressed between the plates. Tool-holding clamps, attached to the frame, are positioned to insert a surgical tool, in a proper location and orientation, into the biological material between the upper and lower plates.