Reusable Pelvic Model with Interchangeable Tissue Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for teaching pelvic surgery lack a reusable, anatomically complete, and interactive model that realistically mimics live tissue, limiting the ability to train physicians in performing various surgical procedures safely and effectively, and existing models are not designed to handle multiple procedures or simulate the tactile differences of human tissues.

Innovation Solution

A partially reusable pelvic model with interchangeable body component modules that represent various tissues and organs of the pelvic region, providing a realistic surgical experience by mimicking the look, feel, softness, hardness, density, weight, and elasticity of human tissues, allowing for the practice and evaluation of multiple surgical techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cadavers are used to teach surgical procedures, then realistic tissue simulation is achieved, but cost increases and disease transmission risk is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverealistic tissue simulationVSAvoiddisease transmission risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a synthetic pelvic model that copies the essential tactile and anatomical properties of human tissue without using actual cadavers. The model includes layered structures (skin, fat, muscle, fascia) made from safe, reusable materials that replicate the feel and appearance of living tissue, eliminating disease transmission risk while maintaining training realism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The model uses adjustable parameters including variable tissue density, elasticity, and thickness to simulate different anatomical conditions. The pelvic model can be configured to represent various tissue types and pathological states, allowing versatile training scenarios without requiring multiple cadavers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If cadavers are used for surgical training, then tactile experience is provided, but tissue destruction prevents repeat use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetactile experienceVSAvoidrepeat use capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pelvic model is divided into separate, replaceable tissue layers (skin, subcutaneous fat, muscle, fascia) that can be individually accessed, manipulated, and replaced. This modular design allows the model to be reset and reused for multiple surgical training scenarios, maintaining tactile realism throughout.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The model enables a cycle where tissue layers can be temporarily removed or modified during procedures and then recovered or replaced for subsequent training sessions. The reusable design allows the same model to serve multiple students and multiple procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Stability of the object's composition

If preservatives are applied to cadaver tissue, then decomposition is prevented, but tissue texture and consistency are altered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetissue preservationVSAvoidtissue texture realism
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of preserving cadaver tissue with chemicals that alter its properties, the patent uses disposable or replaceable synthetic tissue layers that maintain consistent, realistic textures throughout their service life. These materials are designed to feel like living tissue without requiring preservation agents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Adaptability or versatility

If existing surgical models are used, then specific techniques can be demonstrated, but they lack anatomical completeness and tactile accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespecific technique demonstrationVSAvoidanatomical realism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pelvic model is designed as a comprehensive, universal training tool that includes all major pelvic structures (bladder, uterus, ovaries, rectum, bones, muscles, nerves) in a single integrated system. This multi-functional model can support various surgical techniques and training levels without requiring multiple specialized models.

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

Data Source

PatentUS9373270B2Pelvic surgery training model
Publication Date: 2016.06.21 MIYAZAKI DOUGLAS WAYNE
  • US9373270B2 patent drawing
  • US9373270B2 patent drawing
  • US9373270B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A male or female human pelvic model for teaching, practicing, or evaluating proficiency in physical examination, medical or surgical techniques, or procedures involving the pelvis are disclosed. The pelvic model can include replaceable pelvic skeletal frame and normal, pathological, or other modules providing 3D anatomical representations of various body components, such as skin, organs, muscles, vessels, connective tissues, ligaments, tendons, or nerves. The pelvic model can include portions that can retain pressurized fluid, such as to mimic a body organ, cavity, or vessel that retains fluid, so that leakage can occur, such as upon unintended cutting or puncture. A rotating open-top pelvic region structure can permit viewing or video capture during the simulated procedure.