Modular Surgical Training Model with Interchangeable Spine Cassettes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical training models are costly, wasteful, and lack versatility, as they are typically large, heavy, and disposable, limiting accessibility and causing environmental impact, with no existing models featuring interchangeable parts to simulate different anatomies or pathologies on the same model.
Innovation Solution
A surgical training model comprising removable and replaceable spacer cassettes that simulate a spine or limb, allowing for the insertion of anatomy or pathology cassettes, enabling the creation of a lightweight, reusable, and customizable 3D printed model that can be tailored to specific surgical procedures, reducing waste and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional surgical training models are used, then anatomical accuracy is achieved, but cost and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical training model is divided into multiple detachable cassettes, each representing a separate anatomical structure or surgical site. These modular cassettes can be individually manufactured with high anatomical precision using 3D printing, then assembled into complete training models. This segmentation allows anatomical accuracy to be maintained in each component while reducing the weight and cost of any single cassette compared to manufacturing complete anatomical models.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complete anatomical models are manufactured, then training versatility is improved, but production cost and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cassette system enables a single base model to support multiple training scenarios by allowing different anatomical and pathology cassettes to be interchangeably attached. A standard base structure can accommodate various specialized cassettes (e.g., orthopedic, neurosurgical, general surgery), eliminating the need to manufacture separate complete models for each training purpose. This multi-functionality achieves training versatility while minimizing material waste through repeated use of the base model.
Solution Approach 2:
Individual cassettes that become worn or obsolete can be removed and replaced without discarding the entire model. The reusable base model retains value while only the specific cassette needing replacement is discarded. This selective replacement strategy reduces overall material waste compared to discarding complete anatomical models.
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized pathology models are created for each procedure, then training specificity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different pathology types and anatomical structures are segmented into separate specialized cassettes (e.g., fracture models, tumor models, vascular models). Each cassette is designed with specific pathological features for targeted training, while the standardized base model and attachment mechanisms maintain overall system simplicity. This segmentation allows high pathology specificity without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If reusable models are designed, then cost-effectiveness is improved, but cleaning and sterilization difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular cassette design allows each component to be independently sterilized and reassembled. Smaller cassette units have reduced surface area and volume compared to complete anatomical models, making them easier and faster to sterilize. The segmentation also allows selective sterilization of only those cassettes that come into contact with biological materials, reducing overall sterilization complexity while maintaining cost-effectiveness through reusability.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical training model is provided comprising a plurality of removable spacer cassettes that when arranged together simulate a spine. Each spacer cassette is removable and replaceable with an anatomy cassette that simulates an anatomy and or pathology in the spine.