Modular Chest Tube Trainer with Rib Panel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Medical professionals lack access to affordable and portable simulators for training in rare procedures like chest tube insertion and pericardiocentesis, leading to procedural skill decay.
Innovation Solution
A portable, easy-to-assemble medical procedure training simulator apparatus consisting of a three-part structure: a collapsible 90-degree base and a rib panel with curved slot elements to mimic the human rib cage, allowing for realistic practice of chest tube insertion and pericardiocentesis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex, expensive simulation centers are used for training, then training quality and procedural skill maintenance are improved, but accessibility and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation system is divided into separate modular components: a base unit with stand elements, a removable rib panel, and interchangeable training modules (chest tube insertion kit, pericardiocentesis kit). This segmentation allows the system to be assembled and disassembled for portability while maintaining training fidelity, resolving the contradiction between simulation quality and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified copies of critical training elements (rib cage anatomy, pericardium, chest tube pathways) using molded plastic and gelatin materials. These copies replicate the essential anatomical features and procedural challenges without requiring expensive, complex simulation centers, thereby improving accessibility while maintaining training reliability.
2Reliability
If simulation centers are made accessible to practitioners, then procedural skill maintenance is improved, but cost and resource requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The training modules use inexpensive, disposable materials such as gelatin-filled pericardial sacs, removable rib panels, and single-use training inserts. These low-cost components enable repeated training sessions without requiring expensive, maintenance-intensive equipment, significantly reducing the cost barrier for practitioners while maintaining training effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple training modules (chest tube insertion, pericardiocentesis, and other chest procedures). This multi-functionality allows a single affordable device to replace multiple specialized simulators, reducing overall cost while maintaining comprehensive training capability.
3Ease of operation
If portable, easy-to-assemble simulators are created, then accessibility and ease of use are improved, but training fidelity and realism may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The rib panel is designed to be removable and reconfigurable, allowing practitioners to assemble and disassemble the structure quickly. The gelatin-based anatomical models are flexible enough to be handled easily while maintaining realistic tissue properties. This dynamic design enables portability and ease of assembly without compromising the realism needed for effective training.
Solution Approach 2:
The training modules utilize gelatin and other materials with adjustable physical properties (firmness, elasticity, viscosity) to simulate different tissue types and pathologies. By changing these material parameters, the system maintains high training fidelity across various procedural scenarios while keeping the overall device simple and portable.
Data Source
AI summary
A simulator apparatus for training medical professionals in the procedures of chest tube insertion and/or pericardiocentesis. The apparatus includes a first stand element and a second stand element that form a rib panel base with the two elements substantially at right angles to one another to create a 90-degree stand. A rib panel is removably joined to the two stand elements and includes curved slots representing the spaces between ribs. For simulation of the pericardiocentesis procedure, in an embodiment, a heart component located within the simulator allows the user to simulate insertion of chest tubes between the simulated rib spaces into or around the heart. The model may also use a subcutaneous and skin overlay for human skin simulation.