Multilayer Silicone Dissectible Tissue for Realistic Surgical Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical training models lack anatomical accuracy and tactile feedback, particularly in simulating the dissection of key landmarks and vasculature during laparoscopic procedures like right hemicolectomy, and do not adequately replicate the feel and maneuverability of human tissue.
Innovation Solution
A multilayered simulated dissectible tissue is developed, comprising three layers: two outer silicone layers and a middle gel layer, with additives like deadeners and alcohol to enhance realism and ease of dissection, mimicking the mesentery layer and encapsulating vasculature, to provide realistic tactile feedback and anatomical accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-layer simulated tissue model is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the tactile feedback and anatomical accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The simulated tissue model is divided into multiple distinct layers including an outer layer, middle layer, and inner layer, each with different material properties and colors. This segmentation allows each layer to simulate specific tissue characteristics independently, providing realistic tactile feedback during dissection while maintaining manageable complexity through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
The model uses composite materials with different Shore durometer values (e.g., 20A for outer layer, 30A for middle layer, 40A for inner layer) to create varying tissue-like textures and resistance. This composite approach enables realistic dissection feel across different tissue depths without requiring overly complex structural designs
2Manufacturing precision
If a multilayered simulated tissue model is created with different materials, then the anatomical accuracy and tactile feedback are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Anatomical structures such as vasculature, nerves, and tissue planes are pre-formed within the mold cavities before the actual casting process. This preliminary action ensures precise anatomical positioning and relationships are achieved in the final model, reducing the need for post-manufacturing adjustments while maintaining high anatomical accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process uses nested mold cavities where inner mold cavities are positioned within outer mold cavities, corresponding to the layered structure of the tissue model. This nesting approach allows simultaneous formation of multiple layers with embedded anatomical structures in a single manufacturing cycle, simplifying the overall fabrication process despite the complexity of the final product
3Reliability
If the simulated tissue uses realistic material properties, then the tactile feedback during dissection is improved, but the ease of dissection may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different layers of the simulated tissue are assigned different material properties including varying Shore durometer values, colors, and textures to match specific anatomical regions. The outer layer uses softer materials (20A) to simulate subcutaneous tissue, while inner layers use progressively firmer materials (30A, 40A) to simulate deeper structures, creating realistic tactile feedback while maintaining dissection feasibility through controlled resistance gradients
Data Source
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AI summary
A simulated dissectible tissue for surgical training is provided. The simulated tissue comprises a silicone gel layer encapsulated within a silicone shell. A simulated anatomical structure is embedded together with the silicone gel layer within the sealed shell. The silicone shell as well as the silicone gel layer may include a deadening agent. Further processing of the silicone gel layer may include adding alcohol and, optionally, heating the mixture. The simulated dissectible tissue may be formed into a specific tissue or organ model for practicing surgical skills. The user practices incising through the outer layer and separating the shell layer along a dissection plane defined by the silicone gel layer to gain visibility of the embedded simulated anatomical structures. The silicone gel layer simulates dissectible tissue and has glossy and elastic properties that provide a realistic dissectible tissue layer for emulating skeletonization of the simulated anatomical structures contained therein.