Laparoscopic Suture Training Model With Angled Elastic Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical training models fail to effectively simulate the challenges of laparoscopic suturing, particularly in isolating and practicing the passing of sutures in a simulated environment that mimics real-world conditions, lacking realism and repeatability.
Innovation Solution
A suture training model featuring a base with removably connected suture tabs made of elastic material, allowing for multiple orientations and configurations, and a base with angled openings to simulate tissue planes, enabling realistic and repeatable practice of suturing skills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing surgical training models are used, then basic surgical skills can be practiced, but they fail to effectively simulate the challenges of laparoscopic suturing and lack realism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual replica of the surgical environment using computer-generated imagery and haptic feedback devices. The training system copies the visual appearance, tactile sensations, and procedural challenges of actual laparoscopic surgery, allowing trainees to practice on a hyper-realistic simulation rather than simplified models.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical tissue models with a virtual reality-based simulation system. Instead of manipulating actual or simplified physical tissues, trainees interact with three-dimensional virtual representations that respond to their inputs through haptic feedback, providing more accurate and versatile simulation of laparoscopic challenges.
2Ease of operation
If simplified training models are used, then the training process is easier and less complex, but they lack the depth perception and hand-to-hand transfer skills required for real surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms where the simulation system monitors the trainee's actions and provides immediate visual, auditory, and haptic feedback. This feedback loop allows trainees to learn from their mistakes in real-time while maintaining an intuitive and engaging training experience, bridging the gap between simplicity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The training system dynamically adjusts the difficulty level and simulation parameters based on the trainee's performance. The virtual environment responds adaptively to user actions, providing appropriate challenges and guidance, making the training both easy to access and precise in skill development.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional training methods are used, then instructors can directly observe procedures, but trainees cannot practice in a simulated environment that replicates real surgical conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal training platform that can simulate multiple surgical scenarios, tissue types, and procedural complexities within a single system. The virtual reality environment can be configured to replicate various real surgical conditions, making the system highly versatile while providing immersive training experiences.
4Productivity
If repeatable practice is enabled, then skill improvement is accelerated, but existing models do not provide sufficient repeatability for effective skill development
Solution Approach 1:
The training system allows trainees to independently repeat procedures multiple times without requiring instructor intervention or physical consumables. The virtual environment can be reset and reused indefinitely, providing consistent, reliable training conditions that accelerate skill acquisition through repetitive practice.
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
Enhances the skill levels of surgeons by providing a realistic simulation of laparoscopic suturing, improving depth perception, hand-to-hand transfer, and instrument manipulation, with adjustable difficulty levels for various skill levels.
Implementation Method 1
Each suture tab is made of elastic material having a longitudinal axis and capable of being pierced with a suture needle and pulled along the longitudinal axis from a resting configuration to an elongated configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical training device is provided. The training device includes a model for practicing the passage of needle and suture. The model includes a base with a plurality of openings configured to receive a plurality of suture tabs. The suture tabs are made of elastomeric material. Some suture tabs includes pre-formed tab apertures for the passage of a suture. Other suture tabs include a penetrable area through which a suture needle may penetrate for passing a suture. The suture tabs are movable with respect to the base to orientate them at different angles with respect to the base. The base itself may include portions that are angled with respect to each other. The suture tabs are movable with respect to the base to pull, expose or open the tab apertures and surfaces. Some of the tab apertures are slits that open upon being pulled relative to the base requiring the user to practice holding the tab while passing the needle through the tab.