Multi-Layer Skull Training Model for Invasive Procedure Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a training model that simulates a human or animal skull to enable medical practitioners to practice invasive skull procedures safely, without risking a patient, and to accurately train for drilling and subsequent procedures like ventricular drain insertion or hematoma evacuation.
Innovation Solution
A training model comprising a skull section with layers simulating osseous, marrow, and dural tissues, along with a base component to create a realistic simulated head, allowing for the simulation of drilling and other invasive procedures, and potentially including features like a brain layer and pressurization devices to mimic cerebrospinal fluid pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a training model with multiple skull layers is used to simulate real anatomical structures, then the realism and training effectiveness are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The skull is divided into multiple distinct layers (outer table, diploe, inner table) that can be separately constructed and assembled. Each layer is made from different materials to simulate the unique properties of actual skull bones, allowing trainees to experience the progressive resistance of drilling through each layer while maintaining manageable construction complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials are used for each skull layer to simulate the varying density and resistance characteristics of real bone structures. The outer and inner tables use harder materials while the diploe uses a softer, more porous material, creating a composite structure that authentically replicates the drilling experience without requiring a single complex material
2Measurement precision
If the training model includes additional anatomical features like brain tissue and dural layers, then the simulation accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brain tissue and dural layers are pre-formed as separate components before being assembled into the skull structure. This allows for precise fabrication of each anatomical feature using appropriate materials and techniques, then integration into the final model, reducing the overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining high anatomical accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials and construction techniques are applied to different anatomical regions based on their specific properties. The brain tissue uses materials that simulate cerebral consistency, while the dural layer uses tougher, more fibrous materials, creating locally optimized regions that collectively achieve high overall anatomical accuracy
3Reliability
If pressurization devices are added to simulate cerebrospinal fluid pressure, then the procedural realism is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A pressurization device connected to the ventricular system uses hydraulic or pneumatic principles to simulate cerebrospinal fluid pressure. This allows trainees to experience the resistance and flow characteristics of actual CSF during drilling and catheter insertion procedures, enhancing procedural realism without requiring complex biological systems
Solution Approach 2:
The pressurization device serves multiple training functions simultaneously - it simulates CSF pressure resistance during drilling, provides feedback during catheter insertion, and can be adjusted to represent different pathological conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices for each training scenario
Data Source
AI summary
A training model for use in training to perform a medical procedure which is invasive of a skull, such as the insertion of an external ventricular drain or the evacuation of a subdural hematoma. The training model may comprise a base component defining a training component receptacle and a training component for mounting in the training component receptacle and comprising a skull section. Alternately, the training model may comprise the skull section or the training component in isolation. The skull section comprises an outer skull layer, a middle skull layer and an inner skull layer. The outer skull layer is constructed of an outer skull material which simulates osseous tissue when penetrated. The middle skull layer is constructed of a middle skull material which simulates marrow tissue when penetrated. The inner skull layer is constructed of an inner skull material which simulates osseous tissue when penetrated.