Layered Silicone Tissue Models for Realistic Surgical Dissection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current simulated tissue structures for surgical training, particularly in laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery, lack realism in terms of elasticity, dissection properties, and adherence, as they are often made of silicone which rebounds quickly and tears easily, failing to mimic the feel and behavior of real tissue.
Innovation Solution
A simulated tissue structure composed of multiple layers, including a silicone layer with embedded entangled fibers, which provides a realistic dissection plane and mimics the feel of real tissue by dampening the resiliency of silicone, allowing for more accurate surgical practice.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If silicone is used as the material for simulated tissue structures, then the structure can be easily manufactured and maintains elasticity, but the silicone rebounds quickly when cut and tears easily, failing to mimic real tissue behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure consisting of an outer silicone layer and an inner fibrous layer. The silicone layer provides ease of manufacture and elasticity, while the embedded entangled fibers (made of materials like polyester, nylon, or rayon) provide tear resistance and controlled dissection properties. This composite approach allows the simulated tissue to mimic real tissue behavior by preventing quick rebound and excessive tearing while maintaining manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different regions of the simulated tissue structure. The outer silicone layer provides a smooth, elastic surface that mimics the external appearance of real tissue, while the inner fibrous layer provides structural integrity and controlled dissection characteristics. This local differentiation of material properties allows each layer to fulfill its specific function while collectively achieving realistic tissue simulation.
2Ease of operation
If silicone is made more elastic to mimic real tissue, then the tissue feel is improved, but the silicone rebounds quickly when manipulated, reducing surgical training realism
Solution Approach 1:
The composite structure combines the elastic properties of silicone with the damping characteristics of entangled fibers. The silicone layer provides the desired tissue-like feel and elasticity, while the embedded fibrous network restrains excessive rebound by distributing and absorbing mechanical energy. This allows the simulated tissue to feel realistic during manipulation without exhibiting the quick rebound characteristic of pure silicone.
Solution Approach 2:
The entangled fiber layer acts as an intermediary between the silicone layers, mediating the mechanical response to cutting and manipulation forces. When the silicone is cut or manipulated, the fibers absorb and distribute the stress, preventing rapid rebound while maintaining the elastic feel of the outer silicone surface. This intermediary layer effectively decouples the elastic feel from the rebound problem.
3Reliability
If the simulated tissue structure uses multiple layers with embedded fibers, then the dissection realism is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The entangled fibers are embedded within the silicone layers during the manufacturing process, specifically while the silicone is in its uncured state. This preliminary incorporation of the fibrous layer eliminates the need for separate assembly steps after curing, as the fibers become permanently integrated into the silicone matrix. This approach maintains dissection realism while minimizing the complexity of the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functional layers into a single integrated structure. The outer silicone layer, inner fibrous layer, and inner silicone layer are combined into one cohesive simulated tissue structure with realistic dissection properties. This unified design achieves high dissection realism without requiring complex multi-component assembly, as all layers are formed and integrated during a single 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 structure enhances the realism of surgical training by providing a more realistic dissection experience, improving the skill development of surgeons by simulating the behavior of real tissue, especially in laparoscopic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of entangled fiber filaments of the third layer dampen the resiliency of the silicone polymer
Implementation Method 2
at least part of the plurality of entangled fiber filaments of the third layer being embedded in at least one of the first layer and second layer
Data Source
Figure 1~2c
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A
AI summary
A simulated tissue structure for surgical training is provided. The simulated tissue structure includes a first layer made of silicone and a second layer made of silicone interconnected by a third layer made of polyester fiber that is embedded in part in the first layer and in part in the second layer to create a mechanical linkage between the first layer and the second layer. Part of the third layer that is adjacent to the first layer and part of the third layer that is adjacent to the second layer includes fiber strands coated in silicone. An inclusion that mimics an anatomical structure is located between the first layer and the second layer. The third layer of polyester fibers provides a realistic dissection plane for the practice of the surgical excision of the inclusion.