Segmented Simulated Tissue Structure for Laparoscopic Training

Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical training tools lack realistic models for simulating the removal of tumors and closure of tissue defects during minimally invasive procedures, which are essential for training surgeons in techniques like suturing and stapling.

Innovation Solution

A simulated tissue structure comprising a base layer, a defect layer with pre-formed gaps, and a cover layer, where a simulated tumor is placed above the defect layer, allowing trainees to practice removing the tumor and closing the resulting gap using surgical instruments while obscured from view, with the process visualized on a monitor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional surgical training models are used, then basic cutting and stapling skills can be practiced, but realistic simulation of tumor removal and tissue defect closure is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverealism of surgical simulationVSAvoidrange of surgical procedures simulated

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The simulated tissue structure is divided into multiple distinct layers including a base layer, defect layer, and cover layer, with the defect layer containing pre-formed defects that simulate tissue gaps. This segmentation allows realistic simulation of tumor removal and defect closure while maintaining structural integrity for repeated use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The defect layer is pre-formed with defects and gaps before the surgical training exercise begins. This preliminary preparation allows trainees to immediately practice tumor removal and defect closure techniques without requiring complex setup, while ensuring consistent and realistic simulation conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If complex multi-layered simulated tissue structures are created to improve realism, then surgical training accuracy improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of tissue simulationVSAvoidnumber of layers and components

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The simulated tissue structure is divided into multiple distinct layers including a base layer, defect layer, and cover layer, with the defect layer containing pre-formed defects that simulate tissue gaps. This segmentation allows realistic simulation of tumor removal and defect closure while maintaining structural integrity for repeated use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The simulated tissue structure uses composite materials with different properties for each layer - the base layer provides structural support, the defect layer simulates tissue with pre-formed defects, and the cover layer represents the outer tissue surface. This composite approach achieves realistic tissue simulation while allowing each layer to be optimized for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If pre-formed defects are included in the simulated tissue structure, then repeatable practice of defect closure is enabled, but the difficulty of creating realistic tissue gaps increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepeatability of training exercisesVSAvoiddifficulty of creating pre-formed defects

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The defect layer is pre-formed with defects and gaps before the surgical training exercise begins. This preliminary preparation allows trainees to immediately practice tumor removal and defect closure techniques without requiring complex setup, while ensuring consistent and realistic simulation conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The defect layer creates simplified copies of real tissue defects - pre-formed gaps and openings that replicate the essential characteristics of surgical tissue defects without the complexity of creating them during the training exercise. This copying approach maintains training realism while significantly easing manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS20240339049A1Simulated tissue structure for surgical training

Publication Date: 2024.10.10 APPL MEDICAL RESOURCES CORP

AI summary

A simulated tissue structure for practicing surgical techniques is provided. In particular, a realistic organ model or tissue portion for practicing the removal of a tumor or other undesired tissue followed by suturing a remnant defect as part of the same surgical procedure is provided. The simulated tissue structure includes an artificial tumor disposed between layers of elastomeric material and mounted on a simulated organ wall or tissue portion. The simulated tissue structure is modular and interchangeable. At least one of the layers includes a mesh reinforcement. A defect comprising two juxtapositioned surfaces defining a gap between the surfaces is created in the simulated tissue structure and the trainee practices tumor removal and closure of the gap by suturing in a laparoscopic environment.