Thoracic Training Rib Assembly for Left-Right Model Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical training devices for thoracic procedures require separate models for left and right sides, increasing cost and time due to the anatomical differences between the rib cages, and existing tissue models are unsuitable for minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical training device with a base and slidably coupled rib mounting members for repositionable simulated ribs, allowing conversion between left and right thoracic configurations, combined with a movable spinal member and a thoracic tissue model, using harvested porcine tissue or polymer materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate side-specific models are used for left and right thoracic procedures, then training accuracy for anatomical specificity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring two different models
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines left and right rib mounting members into a single device platform, allowing both configurations to coexist. The device integrates two rib mounting members (first and second) that can each be configured for different thoracic sides, eliminating the need for separate models while maintaining anatomical training accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves multi-functionality by making the rib mounting members reconfigurable. Each mounting member can be adjusted to represent different rib configurations (left or right side), allowing a single device to serve multiple training purposes that previously required separate specialized models
2Measurement precision
If separate side-specific models are used for left and right thoracic procedures, then anatomical specificity is improved, but loss of time increases due to switching between models during training
Solution Approach 1:
By merging both left and right rib mounting capabilities into one device, the patent eliminates the need to physically switch between separate models. The first and second rib mounting members are both accessible on the same device platform, allowing instant configuration changes without time loss
3Measurement precision
If separate side-specific models are used for left and right thoracic procedures, then anatomical accuracy is improved, but cost increases due to maintaining two different models
Solution Approach 1:
The device achieves cost-effectiveness through universality. A single device with reconfigurable rib mounting members replaces the need to purchase and maintain two separate side-specific models. The first and second rib mounting members can be configured for different thoracic sides, providing the same anatomical training value as two separate models would have provided
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional tissue models are used, then cost is reduced, but adaptability decreases because they are unsuitable for minimally invasive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a hybrid model where the thoracic tissue model provides realistic anatomical structure, while the simulated ribs provide the rigid, reconfigurable framework needed for minimally invasive procedure training. This localized differentiation of material properties allows the model to serve multiple training purposes
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical training device for use with a thoracic tissue model includes a base having a thoracic tissue model receiving area. A first rib mounting member is slidably coupled to the base adjacent a first side of the thoracic tissue model receiving area and a second rib mounting member is slidably coupled to the base adjacent a second side of the thoracic tissue model receiving area opposite the first side. A plurality of simulated ribs each have a first end coupled to the first rib mounting member and a second end coupled to the second rib mounting member, and are repositionable between right and left thoracic configurations.