Transoral Robotic Simulator with Marker Material for Tissue Differentiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic training systems for transoral robotic surgery (TORS) lack effective simulators that can provide novice surgeons with the necessary psychomotor skills and training fidelity, leading to a slow learning curve and variable training outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A TORS simulator system featuring a three-dimensional human head model with a synthetic oral cavity, including a mandible structure and simulated tongue and tonsil made of silicone material, equipped with artificial tissue that mimics biological tissue and a marker material for differentiation, and integrated with monopolar electrocautery capabilities, allowing for realistic surgical training and assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current robotic training systems are used for TORS, then training can be provided to novice surgeons, but the training fidelity is insufficient leading to slow learning curves and variable outcomes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a physical copy of the human oral cavity and surrounding structures using synthetic materials that replicate the appearance, texture, and mechanical properties of real human tissues. This includes 3D-printed bone structures, silicone-based soft tissues, and layered constructions that mimic anatomical layers, providing trainees with a realistic training environment without requiring actual patient cases
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies physical parameters of the training model by incorporating materials with specific mechanical properties (durometer values), creating varying tissue densities and resistances that simulate different anatomical conditions. The model includes adjustable components and varied tissue compositions to represent different pathological scenarios and anatomical variations
2Reliability
If high-fidelity simulation materials are used, then training realism is improved, but operating cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The training model is divided into separate modular components including the oral cavity model, tongue model, tonsil model, and surrounding structures that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for standardized production of individual components using 3D printing and molding techniques, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high fidelity of each anatomical structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates color-coded layers and materials to differentiate between various anatomical structures and tissue types within the model. Different synthetic materials are used with distinct colors to represent muscle, fat, bone, and pathological tissues, providing visual cues that enhance realism while simplifying the complexity through intuitive visual differentiation
3Reliability
If artificial tissues are used to mimic biological tissue, then psychomotor skill training is enhanced, but the ability to visually differentiate tissues for training purposes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties and visual characteristics to specific local regions of the model. Artificial tissues are engineered with location-specific properties including varied colors, textures, and mechanical responses that match the actual anatomical structure at each location, allowing trainees to distinguish between tissues while maintaining realistic tactile and visual feedback
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
The simulator system enhances training fidelity and usability, allowing novice surgeons to develop essential robotic skills through repetitive exercises, and effectively differentiates operator skill levels, as validated by the Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skill (GEARS) criteria, thereby improving training efficiency and consistency.
Implementation Method 1
a marker material present on and/or within the at least one artificial tissue, wherein the marker material is configured to visually differentiate for a user of the system between the at least one artificial tissue and the synthetic material of the oral cavity
Implementation Method 2
a simulated human tongue and/or a simulated human tonsil, wherein the simulated human tongue and/or the simulated human tonsil comprise a silicone material; at least one artificial tissue attached within the oral cavity, wherein the artificial tissue is configured to mimic a biological tissue
Implementation Method 3
integrated with monopolar electrocautery capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A transoral robotic surgery (TORS) simulator system includes a three-dimensional human head model having an oral cavity made of a synthetic material. The oral cavity has a mandible structure and a simulated human tongue and/or a simulated human tonsil. The simulated human tongue and/or the simulated human tonsil are made from a silicone material. The simulator system also includes artificial tissue(s) attached within the oral cavity, the artificial tissue being formed to mimic a biological tissue, whether cancerous (e.g., a tumor) or otherwise. The simulator system also includes a marker material present on and/or within the artificial tissue; the marker material allows a user of the simulator system to visually differentiate between the artificial tissue and synthetic material of the oral cavity.