Neck Simulator Polymer Layers for Anatomical Tactile Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current simulators for practicing neck and airway surgery lack realistic mechanical and tactile properties, failing to accurately mimic human anatomy, which hinders effective training for medical professionals.
Innovation Solution
A simulator with a rigid base and anatomical structures mimicked by polymer materials that replicate the tensile strength, modulus, and tear strength of human neck and airway components, including skin, fat, muscles, blood vessels, cartilage, and mucosa, providing a more realistic training environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simplified simulators are used for practicing airway procedures, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but anatomical realism and tactile accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The simulator is divided into multiple distinct layers (skin layer, subcutaneous tissue layer, muscle layer, cartilage layer, airway structures) that can be separately constructed and assembled. Each layer replicates specific anatomical properties independently, allowing complex anatomical realism without requiring the entire simulator to be overly complex in design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different polymer materials with specific mechanical properties are used for each anatomical layer. The skin layer uses materials with appropriate tensile strength and elasticity, while cartilage layers use materials with different stiffness characteristics, creating a composite structure that mimics real human neck anatomy through material diversity.
2Manufacturing precision
If realistic polymer materials with accurate mechanical properties are used, then anatomical realism is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies particular ranges for mechanical parameters (tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, tear strength) of the polymer materials used in each layer. By defining these parameter ranges, the invention balances the need for anatomical realism with the practical constraints of material availability and manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex task of manufacturing a realistically accurate neck simulator is broken down into separate layer manufacturing processes. Each layer can be produced independently with its specific material requirements, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining high anatomical accuracy through the cumulative effect of multiple specialized layers.
3Manufacturing precision
If animal models or human cadavers are used, then anatomical accuracy is improved, but cost, ethical concerns, and availability issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a synthetic copy of human neck anatomy using polymer materials that replicate the mechanical and tactile properties of real tissues. This copying approach provides anatomical accuracy comparable to cadavers or animal models while avoiding the ethical, cost, and availability problems associated with those resources.
Solution Approach 2:
By carefully selecting and formulating polymer materials with specific mechanical properties (tensile strength, elasticity, tear resistance), the simulator replicates the feel and behavior of real human neck tissues without requiring actual biological specimens, thus simplifying the training resource while maintaining anatomical fidelity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a medical training simulation apparatus for training medical professionals, emergency medical support personnel, military personnel, parents or families of persons who have or will be undergoing neck or airway surgery, or any other persons requiring a simulator for learning the anatomy or practicing procedures or surgery of the neck and/or airway. The apparatus may include a simulated base that may be free standing or may rest on a mannequin and may have a hole for accessing the simulated airway, simulated skin, simulated fat, simulated lymph nodes, simulated neck musculature, simulated arteries and veins with simulated blood therein, simulated thyroid gland, simulated parathyroid glands, simulated laryngeal and tracheal cartilage including the hyoid bone, thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, tracheal rings, epiglottis and arytenoid cartilages, mucosa, recurrent laryngeal nerves, trachealis muscle, esophagus and prevertebral fascia. The apparatus may include alteration or addition of one or more anatomical parts to simulate congenital or acquired anomalies. One or more parts of the simulation apparatus may be disposable or replaceable.