Modular Pelvic Model for Surgical Training Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for teaching and evaluating surgical procedures, such as vaginal hysterectomy, face challenges including risk to live patients, high costs, and limitations due to the need for live patients or cadavers, which are expensive and have cultural and religious objections, and do not provide realistic training experiences.
Innovation Solution
A pelvic model system comprising modular components like a pelvic bone, uterus, bladder, vagina, and vulva modules, allowing for realistic simulation and evaluation of surgical procedures, with features like sensor detection of injuries and video feed capabilities for remote evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cadavers are used to teach surgical procedures, then realistic training experience is provided, but high costs and disease transmission risks are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a synthetic pelvic model that copies the anatomical structure and surgical training value of cadavers using safe, reusable materials. The model replicates pelvic bones, ligaments, and soft tissues through molded components, providing realistic surgical practice without the costs and risks associated with actual cadavers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the training medium from organic cadaver tissue to synthetic materials with controlled properties. The soft tissue components use materials like silicone rubber or thermoplastic elastomers that can be formulated to match cadaver tissue characteristics while being durable, reusable, and cost-effective.
2Manufacturing precision
If cadavers are used for surgical training, then anatomical accuracy is achieved, but tissue destruction after use and decomposition issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates inexpensive, replaceable soft tissue components that can be easily manufactured and swapped. The modular design allows individual tissue components to be replaced without replacing the entire model, providing unlimited reusability at low cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material constructions where synthetic materials are combined to replicate different tissue properties. The pelvic bones use rigid materials like polyethylene or polypropylene, while soft tissues use elastomeric materials, creating a durable yet anatomically accurate model that can be reused indefinitely.
3Ease of operation
If live patients are used for surgical training, then real surgical conditions are experienced, but patient safety risks and malpractice exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a synthetic pelvic model as an intermediary training tool between theoretical knowledge and live patient surgery. The model provides a safe intermediate step where surgeons can practice procedures without risking patient safety, reducing malpractice exposure while maintaining training effectiveness.
4Reliability
If cadaver labs are established for surgical training, then comprehensive training is provided, but high operational costs and personnel requirements make it unfeasible for many hospitals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential training function from the complex cadaver lab infrastructure. By creating a simplified synthetic model that can be used without full cadaver lab facilities, the patent removes the need for expensive infrastructure, specialized personnel, and complex operational procedures while maintaining training quality.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for practicing, teaching, and/or simulating various surgical procedures are disclosed. For example, devices, systems, and methods for practicing, teaching, and/or evaluating physician competency in various surgical procedures or techniques are disclosed. As another example, devices, systems, and methods for practicing, teaching, simulating, and/or evaluating surgeon competency for a surgical procedure, such as a vaginal hysterectomy, and/or technique are disclosed.