3D-Printed Spinal Training Model With Biomimetic Tissue Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical training methods, particularly for spinal fixation procedures, face challenges with cadaveric models due to variability in specimen quality, accessibility, and high costs, limiting effective training for medical students and residents.
Innovation Solution
A surgical training model is developed using a 3D printed bony structure with a cavity model and layers emulating animal musculoskeletal tissues, including a bone model made from thermoplastic polymer and tissue-like layers formed from polyvinyl acetate, sugar, and catalysts to replicate animal muscle, fat, and skin tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cadaveric models are used for surgical training, then anatomical accuracy is improved, but cost and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a synthetic surgical training model that copies the essential anatomical features and haptic properties of cadaveric spinal structures without using actual human tissue. The model replicates the appearance, texture, and mechanical properties of spinal anatomy through carefully designed materials and construction methods, providing an affordable alternative to cadaveric specimens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the model materials to match cadaveric tissue properties. By adjusting the composition, density, elasticity, and other physical parameters of the synthetic materials used in the model, the patent achieves anatomical accuracy and haptic realism while maintaining cost-effectiveness and accessibility.
2Reliability
If cadaveric tissue is used for training, then training realism is improved, but reliability and consistency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the surgical training model into separate modular components that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for standardized production of consistent anatomical structures while enabling customization for different surgical scenarios and training levels, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses controllable material parameters and manufacturing processes to ensure consistent reproduction of anatomical structures across multiple models. By precisely controlling the physical and chemical properties of the materials used, the patent achieves reliable and repeatable training results while maintaining the ability to adapt to different surgical needs through parameter adjustment.
3Ease of manufacture
If 3D printed bone models are used, then cost is reduced, but tissue accuracy worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials that combine the cost-effectiveness of 3D printing with the tissue-accuracy of biomimetic materials. The model uses a multi-material construction approach where different materials are selected and positioned to accurately represent various tissue types, achieving both affordability and anatomical fidelity simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the physical, chemical, and mechanical parameters of the 3D printed materials to match real tissue properties. By controlling factors such as density, elasticity, porosity, and surface texture during the printing process and material selection, the patent achieves high tissue accuracy while maintaining the cost benefits of additive manufacturing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The model provides a cost-effective, reproducible, and anatomically accurate simulator for spinal surgery training, allowing safe pedicle screw placement by mimicking the haptic principles of vital spine surgical techniques.
Implementation Method 1
a bone model placed in the cavity model, wherein the bone model is 3D printed from a thermoplastic polymer
Implementation Method 2
The article comprises a reaction product of polyvinyl acetate, a source of sugar, a crystallization agent, and a basic catalyst
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a method for creating a surgical training model, a surgical training model apparatus, a bone model, an article that emulates tissue of an animal musculoskeletal system, an article that emulates animal fat tissue, and an article that emulates animal skin tissue. One version of the method comprises placing a spinal vertebrae model in a cavity model that emulates an animal body cavity; forming a first layer on top of the vertebrae model, wherein the first layer emulates an animal muscle tissue; placing a second layer over the first layer, wherein the second layer emulates an animal fat tissue; and placing a third layer over the second layer, wherein the third layer emulates an animal skin tissue. The spinal vertebrae model can be 3D printed from a thermoplastic polymer and infiltrated with a foam into an interior space of the 3D printed spinal vertebrae model.