PEG Training Phantom With Movable Abdominal Wall Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an effective training device for the implantation, explantation, and care of percutaneous enteral feeding tubes, particularly for gastroenterologists and nursing staff, as existing training methods are complex and risky, especially for those with limited experience, and current simulators do not adequately replicate the anatomical and procedural aspects of these procedures.
Innovation Solution
A phantom device with a cuboid container simulating the abdominal cavity, featuring movable and displaceable replicas of abdominal and stomach wall layers, equipped with cameras, sensors, and light sources to mimic endoscopic procedures, allowing for realistic training without the need for endoscopes and enabling team training and quality assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex training methods with endoscopes are used, then training accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified phantom model that copies the essential anatomical structures (abdominal wall, stomach, jejunum) without requiring complex endoscopic equipment. The phantom uses layered materials to replicate tissue properties, allowing trainees to practice tube implantation techniques on a realistic yet simplified model that eliminates the need for expensive and complex endoscopes while maintaining training effectiveness
2Reliability
If realistic anatomical replicas are used, then training realism is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phantom is constructed by segmenting the abdominal cavity into distinct layered components (abdominal wall layers, stomach wall layers, jejunum layers) that can be manufactured separately and assembled. Each layer uses specific materials to replicate tissue properties, allowing for realistic anatomical representation while simplifying manufacturing through modular construction and assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies material parameters (elasticity, density, transparency) across different layers to replicate physiological tissue properties. By adjusting these physical parameters in the phantom materials, realistic anatomical behavior is achieved without requiring complex manufacturing processes, as the changes are achieved through material selection rather than manufacturing complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If movable and displaceable wall layers are implemented, then procedural accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phantom incorporates movable and displaceable wall layers that can move relative to each other, dynamically replicating the flexibility and movement of real abdominal and gastrointestinal walls during tube implantation procedures. This dynamic design improves procedural accuracy by allowing the layers to deform and shift as force is applied, mimicking physiological responses without requiring complex mechanical actuation systems
Data Source
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AI summary
A phantom for simulating and/or training a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy comprises a container with a cover, which at least partially encloses an interior. The cover comprises at least one reproduction of abdominal wall layers and at least one reproduction of a gastric wall layer on top of each other, wherein the reproduction of a gastric wall layer is oriented towards the interior. The at least one reproduction of the abdominal wall layers and the at least one reproduction of the gastric wall layers can be moved at least partially towards each other. In addition, at least one digital video camera and one light source, which images at least one region of the reproduction of a gastric wall layer, are arranged in the interior. The phantom comprises at least one opening, through which an endoscope can be introduced into the interior.