Spinal Training Simulator Kit With Interchangeable Module Units
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical training simulators fail to provide a realistic and cost-effective alternative for practicing surgical procedures on human anatomy, as they are either too expensive or lack the necessary realism and customization to simulate various conditions and pathologies, especially for spinal procedures.
Innovation Solution
A spinal training simulator kit comprising an anatomical base model of the spinal column with interchangeable high-fidelity module units that mimic the biomechanical properties of the spine, allowing for realistic surgical simulations and customization to model different conditions and pathologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wholly operable spinal model is used for surgical training, then anatomical accuracy and realism are improved, but cost becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal training model is divided into a reusable base model and interchangeable consumable module units. Each module unit contains a subset of vertebral segments and intervertebral discs that can be independently replaced. This segmentation allows the expensive base model to be preserved while only replacing smaller, more economical module units, thereby maintaining anatomical accuracy without prohibitively high costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The consumable module units are designed as simplified copies of the full spinal anatomy, containing only the necessary vertebral segments and intervertebral discs for specific training scenarios. These copies replicate the essential anatomical structures and biomechanical properties needed for surgical training, providing realistic training experience at a lower cost than a complete operable spinal model.
2Reliability
If cadavers are used for surgical training, then anatomical realism is improved, but cost and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal training model creates synthetic copies of human spinal anatomy using engineered materials that replicate the visual appearance, texture, and biomechanical properties of real spinal tissues. The vertebral segments and intervertebral discs are designed to mimic the look and feel of actual anatomical structures, providing realistic training experience without requiring cadavers, thereby improving accessibility and reducing cost while maintaining anatomical realism.
3Ease of operation
If animal models are used for surgical training, then accessibility is improved, but anatomical accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal training model uses parameter changes in material properties to accurately replicate human spinal anatomy. The vertebral segments are constructed with materials that match human bone density, hardness, and structural characteristics. The intervertebral discs use materials with specific elasticity, viscosity, and compressibility parameters that mimic human disc tissue. By carefully controlling these material parameters, the model achieves anatomical accuracy comparable to human cadavers while maintaining the accessibility and ethical advantages of non-human models.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a complete operable spinal model is used, then training comprehensiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spinal training model is segmented into a permanent base model and interchangeable consumable module units. Each module unit contains a specific set of vertebral segments and intervertebral discs that can be independently assembled and replaced. This segmentation allows comprehensive training scenarios to be achieved by combining different module units with the base model, without requiring a single complex complete operable model. The modularity simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining training comprehensiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The base model serves multiple functions by accommodating various consumable module units designed for different training scenarios. The same base model can be used with different sets of vertebral segments and intervertebral discs to simulate various spinal pathologies, surgical procedures, and anatomical variations. This universality allows comprehensive training without requiring separate complete models for each training scenario, thereby reducing overall device complexity and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal training simulator kit with an operable module unit for surgical training is described. The spinal training simulator kit includes an anatomical base model of at least a portion of a spinal column and at least one high-fidelity module unit, the module unit comprising intervertebral disc analogues and vertebral segment analogues, and the module unit configured to fit within the base model in an anatomically correct orientation and location. The module unit may be acted upon, i.e. surgical instruments may be passed through, thus, providing a realistic simulator for surgical training.