Simulated Tissue Sheet With Contrast Markings For Laparoscopic Suturing Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical training models lack realistic simulation of tissue anatomy and variability, making it difficult for trainees to develop and practice essential suturing skills in a minimally invasive surgical setting.
Innovation Solution
A surgical training model featuring a sheet of simulated tissue material with multiple cuts and markings, designed to mimic the elasticity and resistance of real tissue, allowing for realistic practice of suturing techniques in a laparoscopic environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surgical training models are used, then trainees can practice basic suturing techniques, but the models lack realistic tissue anatomy and variability, reducing training effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The simulated tissue sheet incorporates localized variations in thickness and material properties to differentiate between various tissue layers (e.g., subcutaneous fat, muscle, peritoneum). Each tissue layer has distinct physical characteristics that mimic real anatomical structures, allowing trainees to practice suturing on realistic tissue equivalents with appropriate elasticity, density, and resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulated tissue is constructed using composite materials that combine different polymers and fillers to replicate the complex mechanical properties of real biological tissues. This includes varying the composite composition across different regions of the tissue sheet to simulate anatomical variability, such as differences in tissue density, elasticity, and tensile strength found in actual patient anatomy.
2Reliability
If multiple tissue layers and anatomical variations are incorporated, then training realism is improved, but the model complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The simulated tissue sheet is divided into distinct segmented layers, each representing a specific anatomical structure (e.g., skin layer, subcutaneous layer, muscle layer, peritoneal layer). Each layer can be independently manufactured and then laminated together, allowing for anatomical realism while maintaining manufacturing simplicity. The segmentation also enables easy replacement or modification of individual layers without affecting the entire model.
3Reliability
If realistic tissue resistance and elasticity are simulated, then suturing skill development is enhanced, but the material selection and manufacturing process become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The simulated tissue materials are engineered with specific controllable parameters including elasticity modulus, tensile strength, tear resistance, and thickness. These parameters can be adjusted during manufacturing to match the mechanical properties of different real tissue types. By standardizing the parameter ranges and using commercially available materials with predictable properties, the manufacturing process remains relatively simple while achieving realistic tissue behavior for skill transferability.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical training model can have features for training surgical suturing techniques. The training model can be formed as a sheet of simulated tissue having at least one cut with markings arranged on either side of the cut. The markings can be formed of a first layer of resilient simulated tissue material having a color that contrasts with a color of the remainder of the sheet of simulated tissue material. The sheet of simulated tissue material can have several cuts having different configurations and orientations to facilitate suturing training for a variety of tissue orientations. The sheet of simulated tissue material can further include holes positioned to be mounted to a base of a surgical training system. The sheet of simulated tissue material can be manufactured by molding a marking layer and casting a tissue layer over the marking layer.