Surgical Training Model with Removable Eyelets for Laparoscopic Depth Perception

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical training tools lack realistic simulation of anatomical structures and procedures, particularly for laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgeries, which require advanced skills due to the need for three-dimensional depth perception and precise instrument manipulation within a two-dimensional visual field.

Innovation Solution

A surgical training device with an elongate body featuring a lumen and eyelets along its inner surface, allowing for the practice of suturing and other techniques in a simulated environment that mimics the abdominal region, with eyelets of varying sizes and configurations to challenge depth perception and hand-eye coordination, and a staging area for practicing hand-to-hand transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a surgical training model is designed to realistically simulate anatomical structures and procedures, then the training effectiveness and skill improvement are enhanced, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining effectivenessVSAvoidmodel complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The training model is divided into modular components including an elongate body with lumen, removable eyelets, and configurable tissue simulations. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall realism, reducing manufacturing complexity compared to a monolithic approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the model have specialized properties - the eyelets vary in size and configuration to match specific anatomical locations, the tissue simulations have varying thickness and consistency, and the lumen has specific diameters for different procedures. This localized differentiation enhances training realism without requiring the entire model to be complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the model includes multiple eyelets of varying sizes and configurations to challenge depth perception, then the training for minimally invasive procedures is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth perception trainingVSAvoideyelet configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The eyelets are designed to be removable and reconfigurable rather than fixed, allowing the same base model to accommodate multiple eyelet configurations. This dynamic approach enables training for various procedures without manufacturing different models, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining training effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elongate body with lumen serves multiple functions - it provides the structural framework, contains the tissue simulations, accepts various eyelet configurations, and can be used for different surgical procedures. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized models, simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the model is designed to be removable and placeable inside a simulated laparoscopic environment, then the versatility and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocedural versatilityVSAvoidmodel configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The training model is designed to nest within a simulated laparoscopic trainer, with the elongate body fitting inside the trainer's cavity. The eyelets can be inserted through the trainer's ports, creating a nested configuration that allows the same model to be used across different training environments and procedures, enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3467805B1Surgical training model for transluminal laparoscopic procedures
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 APPL MEDICAL RESOURCES CORP
  • EP3467805B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3467805B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5D
  • EP3467805B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A model for practicing laparoscopic surgical skills is provided. The model comprises a body having an elongate lumen and a plurality of eyelets connected to an inner surface of the lumen. The plurality of eyelets defines at least one pathway for practicing the passing of at least one needle and suture through the eyelets. The model further includes a staging area with removable objects having apertures configured to be placed onto hook-like eyelets. The model provides a platform for practicing hand-to-hand transfer, depth perception among other skills required in laparoscopic procedures within a confined tubular space. The model may be placed inside a laparoscopic trainer in which the practice is performed in a simulated laparoscopic environment and observed on a video display.