Silicone-Foam Simulated Tissue Structures for Laparoscopic Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Laparoscopic surgery training systems face challenges due to the loss of depth perception and tactile sensation, restricted instrument manipulation, and stick-slip friction, which are not adequately addressed by existing artificial organs, and there is a need for more realistic artificial organs and tissues for laparoscopic skills training.
Innovation Solution
A simulated tissue structure comprising a silicone outer portion and a foam inner portion, designed to mimic the properties of human anatomy, is manufactured using a mandrel process that integrates the inner and outer portions to create a realistic and durable training tool, addressing the challenges of instrument manipulation and tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If live human or animal organs are used in laparoscopic simulators, then realism and tactile feedback are improved, but sanitary management costs, sterilization requirements, and disposal costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates artificial organ models that replicate the visual appearance, texture, and tactile properties of real human or animal organs. These synthetic copies provide realistic training experiences without the sanitary risks associated with biological specimens, eliminating the need for sterilization while maintaining training effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material constructions that combine different synthetic materials to mimic the mechanical properties, elasticity, and surface characteristics of real tissues. This allows the artificial organs to provide authentic tactile feedback during laparoscopic procedures without requiring biological materials
2Ease of manufacture
If artificial organs are used to replace live organs, then sanitary management costs are reduced, but realism and tactile feedback may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically adjusts material parameters such as viscosity, elasticity, density, and surface texture to match the physical properties of real organs. By optimizing these parameters, the artificial organs achieve realistic tactile feedback and visual appearance while maintaining the advantages of synthetic materials
3Device complexity
If simple artificial organ models are used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the ability to simulate realistic tissue properties and provide tactile feedback is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the artificial organ into multiple components or layers, each with specific material properties that simulate different tissue characteristics. This segmented approach allows realistic tactile feedback to be achieved through composition rather than requiring complex monolithic structures, balancing realism with manufacturability
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2D
AI summary
Simulated tissue structures and methods of manufacturing are provided. The simulated tissue structures are particularly useful for placement inside abdominal simulators for practicing laparoscopic surgical techniques. One simulated tissue structure includes a combination of two materials that are attached together wherein one of the materials forms a hollow anatomical structure configured to contain the other material. The two materials are attached in an anatomically advantageous manner such that the inner surface of the outer material closely conforms to the outer surface of the inner material. Another simulated tissue structure includes a plurality of layers wherein at least one layer is applied by printing the layer with at least one stencil to impart one or more functional characteristic to the simulated tissue structure.