Surgical Training Cavity with Translucent Housing and Internal Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and limited availability of cadaveric specimens for surgical training, along with the need for expensive X-ray equipment to visualize surgical procedures, hinder the effective demonstration and practice of new surgical instruments and techniques.
Innovation Solution
A surgical training apparatus that simulates an animal body cavity with a housing containing internal anatomy, a penetrable cover, and a camera system that transmits real-time images of the internal cavity to external receivers, allowing trainees to practice procedures without cadavers and X-rays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cadaveric specimens are used for surgical training, then realistic surgical practice is achieved, but cost and availability become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a synthetic copy of the anatomical cavity using a housing with internal anatomy that replicates the structural and visual characteristics of real body cavities. This model copy eliminates the need for actual cadaveric specimens while maintaining training realism, directly resolving the contradiction between realistic practice and specimen availability.
2Loss of information
If X-ray equipment is used to view surgical procedures, then visualization is achieved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical and radiological X-ray imaging system with a simple optical camera system. The camera captures visual information through the translucent housing material, providing the same procedural visualization function without the complexity and cost of X-ray equipment.
3Device complexity
If translucent housing material is used, then cost is reduced and accessibility improved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameter of the housing material from opaque to translucent, allowing light transmission for camera visualization. This parameter change reduces manufacturing cost and improves accessibility while the housing design maintains sufficient structural integrity through appropriate thickness and support structures.
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
Enables realistic surgical training and demonstration of medical devices without the need for cadavers or X-rays, enhancing accessibility and reducing costs, while providing enhanced lighting conditions through internal anatomy as a light guide and diffuser.
Implementation Method 1
enhancing accessibility and reducing costs, while providing enhanced lighting conditions through internal anatomy as a light guide and diffuser
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for simulating an animal body cavity for training surgical techniques therein comprises a housing defining an internal cavity with an externally-facing opening therein for access by a trainee to the internal cavity. A cover made of a flexible material which is penetrable by a surgical instrument conceals the opening. At least one internal anatomy and at least one camera are positioned within the internal cavity.