Overview
Surgical residents do not currently have a cheap and accurate model to practice liver surgery. Current methods include practice on expensive abdominal models and cheaper, less accurate alternatives, such as a beef liver with olives (used to simulate the tumors). Liver surgeries are often complex and difficult. More accurate liver and abdominal models exist, but are very expensive, costing upwards of $500 and have low reusability. The cheaper alternatives are not as accurate; therefore, there exists a niche within this market for a cheaper, reusable model with high anatomical accuracy.
Background
Concept
Current practices are expensive and lack sufficient anatomical detail which leave new surgeons under prepared for difficult surgeries and hospitals with high training costs. Our plan is to produce liver training models created from imaging scans and provide a cheaper alternative that includes blood vessels and tumors which can be visualized on ultrasound during surgery.
Research
Our team has conducted extensive research on the best materials to use for a liver training model. The resulting materials are NinjaFlex flexible filament, Hummic medical gelatin, PLA filament, conductive paint, and various circuit parts. For more comprehensive research, please visit the Presentations tab in the menu bar above.
Development
Due to COVID-19, the development process has been halted; however, prior to school closure, our team assembled a minimal viable product that met a large portion of the design specifications. For more information on this product, please visit the Presentations tab in the menu bar above.
Launch
This is in progress until further notice.
Design Requirements
Cost & Usage
COST
$500 or less
BIOSAFE MATERIAL
No training on material needed
&
No FDA regulation approval needed
RE-USABILITY
Repeat surgery at least three times
PRODUCTION TIME
40 hours or less
OPACITY OF GELATIN
Cannot see tumors or blood vessels through gelatin
DETECTION FOR BLOOD VESSEL CONTACT
LED light glows and confirms circuit is complete
Imageability
LIVER MATERIAL
5-point scale and experts rate for visibility with minimum 3/5
TUMOR MATERIAL
5-point scale and experts rate for visibility with minimum 4/5
BLOOD VESSEL MATERIAL
5-point scale and experts rate for visibility with minimum 4/5
Dimensions
LIVER SIZE
Maximum 28cm x 28cm x 28.5cm
TUMOR SIZE
Diameter of 1-2 cm
BLOOD VESSEL SIZE
Diameter of 0.5-1 cm
Schedule
2019 - 2020 Gantt Chart
Since Summer 2019, the team brainstormed and researched ideas to develop the liver training model by Spring 2020.
Fall 2019 Gantt Chart
Spring 2020 Gantt Chart
