Simulated Human Uterus Training Model Using Porcine Tissue Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical training models are inadequate for simulating gynecological surgeries due to the inability to accurately replicate the female pelvic anatomy, particularly the uterus and ligaments, using harvested porcine tissue, which is unsuitable for mimicking human anatomy in minimally invasive procedures.

Innovation Solution

A surgical training model is developed using a simulated human uterus composed of a harvested porcine uterus inner portion and an outer portion made from porcine tissue, with a spacer of synthetic material, and additional porcine tissue components to replicate the broad ligaments, round ligaments, and uterine arteries, along with a pump for simulating blood flow, to create a realistic and durable training environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If harvested porcine tissue is used to simulate human organs, then anatomical similarity is improved, but the suitability for simulating female pelvic organs deteriorates due to the bifid uterus and thin ligaments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanatomical similarityVSAvoidsuitability for simulating female pelvic organs

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The model is divided into multiple segments: a human uterus component, a porcine bladder component, a porcine colon component, and ligament structures. This segmentation allows each component to contribute its optimal characteristics - the human uterus provides the correct anatomy while the porcine components provide realistic tissue properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The model uses composite construction by combining human and porcine tissues, as well as synthetic materials for ligaments. This creates a hybrid model that leverages the anatomical accuracy of human tissue where critical and the durability/availability of porcine tissue for surrounding structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If a single cadaver is used for training, then initial training opportunity is provided, but repeated practice of the same procedure is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining opportunitiesVSAvoidrepeated practice capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The model is designed to be reusable after controlled degradation. The tissue components can be preserved through freezing and thawing cycles, allowing the same model to be used repeatedly for training multiple surgeons or multiple training sessions, effectively recovering and reusing the training resource.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Ease of operation

If minimally invasive procedures are trained, then surgical skill development is improved, but adequate training models are insufficient due to inability to replicate pelvic anatomy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical skill developmentVSAvoidavailability of training models

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The model applies different tissue qualities to different regions: the human uterus provides accurate local anatomy for critical surgical targets, while porcine tissues provide realistic but more durable surrounding structures. The ligaments are specifically engineered with appropriate thickness and mechanical properties to simulate the pelvic support structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20230290280A1Surgical training model including a simulated human uterus and associated methods

Publication Date: 2023.09.14 INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS INC

AI summary

A surgical training model for simulating gynecological surgery may include a simulated human uterus. A first inner portion may include harvested porcine uterus and a second outer portion may include harvested porcine tissue that surrounds the first inner portion. The simulated human uterus may be sized and shaped to replicate a human uterus. A simulated human broad ligament may include porcine tissue.