Polymeric Brain Training Model with Electrical Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical training methods for neurosurgery, particularly for brain tumor resection, lack accurate simulation of live brain tissue texture and electrical feedback, making it difficult for residents to master critical skills like cortical mapping and tumor resection safely and effectively.

Innovation Solution

A functional surgical training model that mimics live brain tissue using a polymeric material with specific elasticity and responds to electrical stimulation, incorporating 3D printing technology to create anatomically accurate models with embedded wires simulating corticospinal tracts and tumors, providing real-time feedback through electrical signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cadaver brains are used for surgical training, then anatomical structure can be studied, but the tissue is fixed and cannot respond to electrical stimulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining accuracyVSAvoidelectrical response capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the training model by using a polymeric material with specific elasticity (7000 kPa±440 kPa) to mimic live brain tissue, enabling the model to respond to electrical stimulation while maintaining anatomical accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials including polymeric substances with specific elasticity properties and conductive elements (wires) embedded within the model to simulate both the mechanical and electrical characteristics of live brain tissue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Shape

If cadaver tissue is used, then anatomical structure is available, but the texture and material density differ from live tissue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanatomical structureVSAvoidtissue texture realism

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the elastic modulus parameter of the polymeric material to 7000 kPa±440 kPa, which closely matches the elasticity of live brain tissue, thereby improving the texture realism and ease of surgical manipulation during training

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If functional brain mapping training is provided, then surgical skills can be practiced, but real-time electrical feedback is missing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining efficiencyVSAvoidelectrical feedback

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates conductive wires embedded in the polymeric model that can detect and transmit electrical stimulation signals, providing real-time feedback to trainees during brain mapping procedures, thereby improving training efficiency and skill acquisition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/cadaveric system with an electrically responsive polymeric model that can detect and respond to electrical stimulation, enabling virtual feedback mechanisms that enhance training without requiring actual neural tissue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If surgical training models are created, then training can occur outside operating room, but material selection is challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining accessibilityVSAvoidmaterial selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for the polymeric material (elasticity: 7000 kPa±440 kPa) to ensure the model accurately replicates live brain tissue properties, making the manufacturing process more straightforward and the training model more reliable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different material properties to different regions of the model, with the polymeric material providing specific elasticity in certain areas and conductive wires in other areas, allowing each component to serve its specific function optimally

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The model allows neurosurgeons and residents to practice brain tumor resection techniques outside the operating room, enhancing training accuracy, reducing the learning curve, and improving patient safety by simulating the real-life surgical experience with anatomical and electrical feedback.

Implementation Method 1

a polymeric material with specific elasticity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

responds to electrical stimulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20220157195A1Systems and Methods for a Simulator for Brain Mapping

Publication Date: 2022.05.19 MAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION & RESEARCH

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a surgical training model apparatus and a method for creating a surgical training model. The training model apparatus includes a functional brain model that responds to electrical stimulation and enables users to simulate cortical brain mapping outside the operating room. Methods for creating a surgical training model include consideration of engineering design inputs and other parameters.