Modular 3D Printed Vessel Models for Surgical Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical training methods using cadavers or animals are limited by resource availability and strict handling conditions, and lack effective assessment of surgical skill, particularly in complex anatomical scenarios and varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
A modular surgical training kit that includes 3D bases, vessel models, positioners, and connectors, allowing for simulation of different anatomical scenarios, assessment of suturing integrity, and practice of various vessel types and orientations, with the ability to quantify surgical skill through fluid testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cadavers or animals are used for surgical training, then surgical skills can be practiced on real anatomical structures, but resource availability is limited and strict handling conditions apply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates 3D-printed anatomical models that replicate real vessel anatomy, including complex structures like fatty tissue deposits, calcification, and varying vessel diameters. These models can be mass-produced from digital scans of actual vessels, providing unlimited training resources that maintain anatomical accuracy without the ethical and logistical constraints of using real cadavers or animals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of training parameters by modifying 3D model characteristics such as vessel diameter, wall thickness, fatty tissue amount, and vessel orientation. Instructors can change these parameters digitally to create customized training scenarios matching specific surgical challenges, enabling versatile training across different anatomical variations without needing multiple unique physical specimens.
2Ease of operation
If traditional surgical training methods are used, then surgical procedures can be practiced, but quantitative assessment of surgical skill is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms where the 3D-printed models include integrated sensors and markers that detect suturing quality, vessel approximation accuracy, and procedural timing. The system provides immediate quantitative feedback to trainees through visual displays, allowing objective measurement of surgical skill development and tracking progress across multiple training scenarios.
3Ease of manufacture
If surgical training is performed on simple anatomical structures, then training is easier to conduct, but complex anatomical scenarios cannot be effectively practiced
Solution Approach 1:
The training system divides complex anatomical structures into modular 3D-printed components that can be assembled in different configurations. Individual vessel segments with specific pathologies can be separately manufactured and combined to create various surgical scenarios, allowing the same basic training platform to accommodate both simple and complex anatomical challenges through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The 3D-printed anatomical models serve multiple training functions simultaneously - they provide tactile feedback for suturing practice, visual references for anatomical orientation, and quantitative measurement targets for skill assessment. The same model can support different surgical procedures by adjusting positioning fixtures and scenario configurations, making the training system universally applicable across various surgical specialties.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for surgical suture training for various anatomical scenarios are provided. The system is modular and comprises one or more of: vessel model, a vessel holder, a positioner, an instrument, a 3D base, and a vessel connector. The methods include methods of producing the vessel model, methods of testing integrity thereof, and methods of reproducing various anatomical scenarios using one or more vessel models.