Layered Simulated Tissue Structure for Realistic Surgical Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical training aids do not adequately simulate the variability of human tissue, including different densities and resistance to cutting, and are not customizable to mimic different patient body types and tumor sizes, posing challenges for surgeons and students.
Innovation Solution
A simulated tissue structure comprising multiple layers of silicone rubber with tactile modifiers and meshes, each layer representing skin, fat, muscle, and anatomical components, designed to mimic the feel and responsiveness of human tissue, allowing for customizable training scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-layer training aid is used, then the construction is simple and inexpensive, but it cannot mimic different tissue densities and anatomical variations
Solution Approach 1:
The training aid is divided into multiple distinct layers (skin layer, subcutaneous tissue layer, muscle layer, fascial layer, and anatomical structure layer), each with specific material properties and thicknesses that mimic corresponding human tissue characteristics. This segmentation allows the training aid to represent different anatomical variations and tissue densities while maintaining realistic surgical training conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials with varying Shore hardness values across different layers - the skin layer uses material with Shore hardness 10-20, subcutaneous tissue uses Shore hardness 5-15, muscle layer uses Shore hardness 15-25, and fascial layer uses Shore hardness 20-30. This composite material approach enables each layer to simulate the unique mechanical properties of corresponding human tissues, providing realistic tactile feedback during surgical practice.
2Reliability
If multiple layers with varying material properties are used, then tissue realism is improved, but construction complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each layer is pre-formed with predetermined thicknesses and material properties before assembly. The skin layer is prepared with a thickness of 2-5mm, subcutaneous tissue layer with 10-20mm, muscle layer with 15-30mm, and fascial layer with 1-3mm. This preliminary preparation of individual layers simplifies the overall construction process by allowing modular assembly rather than requiring complex in-situ formation of tissue structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties and thicknesses to specific local regions of the training aid to match anatomical variations. For example, the skin layer thickness varies from 2-5mm in different areas, and the subcutaneous tissue layer thickness varies from 10-20mm, allowing realistic simulation of different body types and anatomical regions while maintaining manageable construction complexity through standardized material specifications.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a simulated tissue useful as a surgical training aid, the simulated tissue including at least the following: (a) a skin layer, (b) a fat layer, (c) a muscle layer, (d) a first mesh, (e) an interstitial layer, (f) a second mesh, (g) a structural layer incorporating one or more anatomical components, and (h) a base layer. Methods for constructing the simulated tissue are also disclosed. The simulated tissues described herein can be used as a soft tissue surgical task trainer for numerous surgical procedures.