Patient-Specific Vessel Models With Quick Couplings for Neurovascular Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical training models lack realistic simulation of the human circulatory system, particularly in neurointerventional procedures, and do not allow for easy integration of patient-specific vascular geometries, which is crucial for training in minimally invasive treatments like intracranial aneurysm treatment.

Innovation Solution

A modular medical training model with standardized and variable components, incorporating patient-specific vascular geometries, and a circulatory system that simulates physiological properties like blood flow and pulsation, using quick-release couplings for interchangeable vessel segments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a training model uses a fixed anatomical replica structure, then the manufacturing process is simple, but it cannot simulate patient-specific vascular geometries or varied training scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to simulate patient-specific vascular geometriesVSAvoidstructural complexity of the training model
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The training model is divided into modular components: a base anatomical replica structure and interchangeable vessel models. Each vessel model can be detached and replaced with different patient-specific geometries while maintaining the same base structure, enabling customization without increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base anatomical replica structure serves as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of vessel models with different geometries and configurations. This universal interface allows the same base structure to support various training scenarios including different vascular territories, aneurysm locations, and patient-specific anatomical variations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the training model includes a circulatory system with pulsating flow, then the simulation of physiological properties is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverealism of circulatory system simulationVSAvoidcomplexity of circulatory system integration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circulatory system is simulated using a hydraulic pump that circulates fluid through transparent tubing representing blood vessels. The pump generates pulsating flow patterns that mimic physiological blood circulation, providing realistic hemodynamic conditions without requiring complex mechanical or electronic systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

A transparent fluid-filled circulatory system acts as an intermediary between the pump and the vessel models. This intermediate system allows the pulsating flow to be transmitted through the anatomical replica, enabling physiological simulation while keeping the overall design relatively simple and maintainable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the training model uses detachable exercise areas for correct positioning, then the ease of operation is improved, but the sealing connection for circulatory system integration becomes difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracy of exercise areaVSAvoidsealing connection between exercise area and training model
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The exercise area is extracted as a separate, detachable component that can be positioned on the anatomical replica. This allows the exercise area to be independently positioned and secured, while the circulatory system connections are made through standardized interfaces that ensure both positioning accuracy and reliable sealing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The exercise area and training model are designed with matching interface geometries and sealing surfaces that ensure proper alignment and secure connection. The standardized coupling mechanism provides both easy positioning through mechanical guidance and reliable sealing through complementary surface design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

Data Source

PatentEP4062392B1Medical training model comprising additively manufactured customisable vessel models
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 TUTECH INNOVATION
  • EP4062392B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4062392B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4062392B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a medical training model comprising additively manufactured customisable vessel models (10), which can be exchangeably connected, in at least one practice region of the fluid system (2) of an anatomically replicated training model, to the lumen that is replicated in a patient-specific manner, the fluid system (2) replicating a substitute circulatory system, characterised in that a vessel model (10), replicated with patient-specific geometry, can be connected to the fluid system (2) via a hydraulic rapid coupling means, the hydraulic rapid coupling means comprising a plug and a sleeve or bushing as the coupling pieces, each of which is provided with an inner flow channel for a tight connection when coupling pieces are joined, each coupling piece being formed as an adapter on the connection side of the vessel model (10) and having a diameter-changing flow-channel course that connects the lumen of the patient-specific vessel model (10) to a standardised coupling connection opening.