Surgical Simulator with Constrained Enclosure for Hysterectomy Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for effective training models that simulate the tissue structures encountered in laparoscopic and endoscopic minimally invasive surgical procedures, particularly for vaginal hysterectomies, which are challenging due to limited field of view and lack of direct visualization.

Innovation Solution

A surgical simulator is provided, comprising a frame with a lumen that can receive and suspend artificial tissue structures, including an artificial uterus and vaginal canal, designed to mimic the anatomy for practicing surgical procedures like hysterectomies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If simulated pelvic trainers are used for training, then basic surgical skills can be practiced, but realistic tissue structure simulation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining capabilityVSAvoidtissue structure realism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses multiple layers of materials with different properties to simulate complex tissue structures. The simulated tissue structures incorporate layered compositions that mimic the stratified nature of real biological tissues, providing both structural integrity and realistic tactile feedback for surgical training.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the simulated tissue structures have locally optimized properties to match specific anatomical characteristics. The tissue simulation varies in density, elasticity, and structural composition across different areas to replicate the heterogeneity of real tissues encountered during surgical procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If simple anatomical models are used, then device demonstration is effective, but procedural realism is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodel simplicityVSAvoidprocedural accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The anatomical model is divided into multiple separable components that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for modular construction of complex structures while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, enabling realistic procedural training through accurate anatomical relationships between discrete tissue elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If direct visualization is provided, then learning is easier, but surgical realism is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelearning easeVSAvoidsurgical realism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates optical elements such as endoscopes or cameras that act as intermediaries between the surgical field and the trainee's view. This allows indirect visualization similar to actual minimally invasive procedures, maintaining surgical realism while still enabling visual learning through monitor display or magnification systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12243441B2Hysterectomy model

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 APPL MEDICAL RESOURCES CORP

AI summary

A surgical simulator for surgical training is provided. The simulator includes a frame defining an enclosure and a simulated tissue model located inside the enclosure. The simulated tissue model is adapted for practicing a number of surgical procedures including but not limited to transanal excisions and transvaginal hysterectomies. The simulated tissue model includes one more components and is interchangeably connected to the frame with fasteners configured to pass through apertures in the frame to suspend the simulated tissue model within the frame. The enclosure of the frame is increasingly laterally constricted along the longitudinal axis to progressively increase the confinement of the components of the simulated tissue model.