Modular Nasal Septum Simulator With Replaceable Elastic Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical simulation devices for endoscopic endonasal, nasopharyngeal, nasal septum, and skull base surgery are complex and expensive to manufacture, necessitating the use of cadavers or animal models for training, which is costly and poses safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A 3D-printed surgical simulation device composed of removable parts made of plastic, including a central piece, removable partition with elastic layers, and support base, designed to simulate human anatomy, allowing for cost-effective and safe training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surgical simulation devices are used to reproduce human anatomy, then anatomical realism is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the anatomical model into separate modular components: a head model, a removable nasal cavity model, and a septum model. Each component can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining anatomical realism through precise inter-component fitment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates simplified geometric copies of anatomical structures using standard manufacturing techniques. The nasal cavity and septum are represented as geometric models that capture essential anatomical features without requiring complex biological tissue replication, achieving realistic simulation at lower manufacturing complexity
2Reliability
If traditional surgical simulation devices are used to reproduce human anatomy, then anatomical realism is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into modular components, each part can be manufactured separately using cost-effective methods and assembled. This reduces tooling costs and allows for selective manufacturing of only the anatomical components needed for specific training scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simplified geometric representations of anatomical structures that can be manufactured using standard, cost-effective techniques such as injection molding or 3D printing, rather than requiring expensive and complex manufacturing processes needed for highly detailed anatomical replicas
3Reliability
If cadavers or animal models are used for surgical training, then training realism is improved, but safety risks and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a synthetic copy of the human nasal anatomy that replicates the essential structural features needed for surgical training. This artificial model eliminates safety risks associated with using actual biological specimens while maintaining sufficient anatomical fidelity for effective skill transfer to the operating room
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 device provides a cost-effective and safe simulation of surgical skills by replicating human anatomy, using removable parts that can be easily replaced, thus reducing manufacturing complexity and costs while ensuring realistic training environments.
Implementation Method 1
the removable partition comprises a central wall and two elastic layers, one on each side of the central wall... the elastic layers simulate, respectively, the cartilaginous wall and the skin and mucosa of the nasal septum
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The device for simulating surgical operations comprises a central piece (1) comprising a housing (11); and a removable partition (2) which is removably positioned in the housing (11). The removable partition (2) preferably comprises a central wall (21) and two elastic layers (22), one on each side of the central wall (21). It provides a device for simulating operations and surgical skills that is as simple as possible, both in its number of parts and in the way it is manufactured.