Modular Ventral Hernia Training Model With Removable Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hernia anatomy models are costly, lack realism, and do not provide an effective tactile experience for surgical training, making them unsuitable for repeated use in medical education settings.
Innovation Solution
A modular and portable ventral hernia training model with realistic anatomical dimensions, allowing for simulation of different hernia types, featuring a base unit with removable layers and components that can be easily replaced, providing a cost-effective and realistic tactile learning experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current hernia anatomy models are used, then anatomical representation is provided, but purchase and part replacement costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The model divides the abdominal wall into separate removable layers (skin, subcutaneous tissue, fascia, muscle, peritoneum) that can be independently replaced. Each layer is a distinct component that can be manufactured separately and swapped out without replacing the entire model, significantly reducing part replacement costs while maintaining anatomical accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The model uses materials with specific physical properties to replicate real tissue characteristics. The skin layer uses material with realistic texture and color, the muscle layer provides appropriate resistance, and the hernia contents have lifelike consistency. These parameter optimizations ensure high anatomical representation quality while allowing cost-effective material selection.
2Reliability
If current hernia anatomy models are used, then anatomical structure is represented, but tactile experience during surgery simulation is unrealistic
Solution Approach 1:
Each layer of the model has locally optimized properties to replicate specific tissue characteristics. The skin layer has realistic texture and color variations, the subcutaneous layer provides appropriate softness, the muscle layer offers resistance during dissection, and the peritoneum has a smooth inner surface. This local quality optimization creates realistic tactile feedback during surgical simulation while maintaining anatomical accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The model uses composite material construction with each layer made from materials specifically selected to replicate the tactile properties of real human tissues. The combination of different materials (fabric, foam, gel, plastic) creates a multi-layered structure that provides progressively more realistic tactile experience while maintaining structural accuracy.
3Reliability
If current hernia anatomy models are used, then hernia representation is provided, but repeated use is not cost-effective
Solution Approach 1:
The model is designed so that consumable layers (skin, subcutaneous tissue, fascia) can be easily removed and replaced after use, while the durable base structure (abdominal wall framework, cavity, muscle layer) remains intact for repeated use. This allows the hernia contents and surrounding tissues to be recovered and reused multiple times, making repeated use cost-effective while maintaining accurate hernia representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer layers of the model are designed as disposable components that can be easily replaced at low cost, while the main structural elements are durable and reusable. This approach allows frequent replacement of worn or contaminated layers without replacing the entire expensive model, enabling cost-effective repeated use in medical training environments.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of a system for anatomical training includes a portable base unit, a flexible simulated abdominal wall module, a flexible simulated cutaneous module and a simulated hernia module. An embodiment of a method of assembling a system includes attaching a flexible simulated abdominal wall module to a portable base unit, attaching a flexible simulated cutaneous module to one or more of the simulated abdominal wall module or the portable base unit, and positioning a simulated hernia to be extended through an opening in the simulated abdominal wall module. An embodiment of a method of using a system includes forming an opening in a flexible simulated cutaneous module, locating a simulated hernia extending through an opening in an underlying simulated abdominal wall module, performing a repair of the simulated hernia, and closing the opening in the simulated cutaneous module.