Reusable Surgical Training Model with Replaceable Tissue Simulations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical professionals face challenges when performing surgeries on the Achilles tendon area due to apprehension and the need for precise anatomical practice before actual procedures, with existing solutions lacking effective models for rehearsal.
Innovation Solution
A reusable model comprising a frame representing the human leg, a plastic covering for skin simulation, and an elastic band for tendon simulation, with a metal rod to maintain tension, allowing practitioners to practice cutting techniques safely and repeatedly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a reusable surgical model is created, then the ability to practice repeatedly is improved, but the complexity of the model structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The model is divided into distinct replaceable components: the frame structure, the skin covering, the tendon band, and the elongated rod. This segmentation allows individual parts to be replaced after use while reusing the frame, resolving the contradiction between reusability and complexity by making the system modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a system where consumable parts (skin covering and tendon band) can be discarded after practice and easily replaced, while the frame structure is recovered and reused. This principle allows repeated use of the model without requiring the entire structure to be disposable or permanently complex.
2Reliability
If realistic tissue simulation is provided, then the effectiveness of practice is improved, but the difficulty of manufacture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The model creates simplified copies of real anatomical structures using analogous materials: plastic covering represents skin, elastic band represents tendon, and frame represents bone structure. These copies capture the essential functional characteristics needed for surgical practice without requiring complex or expensive manufacturing processes, thus improving practice effectiveness while maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses materials with appropriate physical properties to simulate tissue characteristics: elastic materials for tendon flexibility, plastic for skin durability, and rigid frame for bone structure. By carefully selecting materials with suitable mechanical parameters, the model achieves realistic tissue simulation without overly complex manufacturing.
3Productivity
If the model allows repeated practice, then skill improvement is enhanced, but the cost of replacement parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the model into permanent frame and consumable parts (skin covering, tendon band), the system allows frequent replacement of only the inexpensive consumable components while reusing the expensive frame structure. This enables high practice frequency while controlling material costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The skin covering and tendon band are designed as inexpensive, easily replaceable components that can be discarded after use. These cheap short-living parts are replaced frequently to enable continuous practice, while the expensive frame structure is reused many times, balancing practice frequency with material cost.
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 medical professionals to rehearse tendon cutting procedures effectively and safely, improving confidence and skill through repeated practice with replaceable and realistic tissue simulations.
Implementation Method 1
a band representing a tendon... The band is placed between the frame and the covering and represents a tendon such as the Achilles tendon
Data Source
AI summary
A model for practicing surgical procedures which involve the cutting of skin and or tendons. A covering representing skin is stretched around a frame. A band can be added which represents tendons or ligaments. An elongated rod assists in maintaining the position of the covering and the band. Once the covering and band is cut, a new covering and new band can be placed on the frame.