GB2530539A

GB2530539A - Surgical Training Device

Info

Publication number: GB2530539A
Application number: GB1416940.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jalal Al Froukh
Original assignee: KING FAHAD MEDICAL CITY KFMC
Current assignee: KING FAHAD MEDICAL CITY KFMC
Priority date: 2014-09-25
Filing date: 2014-09-25
Publication date: 2016-03-30
Also published as: GB201416940D0

Abstract

A training device 1 is disclosed for use in the teaching of surgical procedures. The device comprises a body having comprising a first layer 8, a second layer 10, and a base 4. The first layer extends over the base and the second layer is disposed under the first layer, between the first layer and the base. The first layer is preferably formed from a resilient film and more preferably form a translucent later material. The base may be rigid and may form part of a container. A gel-like material simulating blood plasma may be disposed between the first and second layers allowing the first layer to be releasably bonded to the second layer, whilst a material 6 simulating blood may be disposed in the container beneath the second layer. The training device allows trainee clinicians to practise incisions on a device that closely mimics a real life situation.

Description

SURGICAL TRAINING DEVICE

[0001] There is disclosed a training device suitable for as a training aid for surgeons. In particular, the training device is suitable for use as a surgical phantom for training medical students.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Laparoscopic surgery, minimally invasive surgery (MIS), or keyhole surgery, is a modern surgical technique in which surgical operations in the abdomen and pelvis are performed through small incisions (usually 0.5-1.5 cm). Keyhole surgery performed on the thoracic or chest cavity is called thoracoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgery belong to the broader field of endoscopic surgery.

[0003] Keyhole surgery makes use of images displayed on TV monitors to magnify the surgical elements. The surgeon must manipulate tools with limited range of motion, and use tools to interact with tissue, rather than using his or her hands directly. The skills required by the surgeon are thus being able to manipulate tissue using tools, while having

limited depth of field, and limited view.

[0004] Keyhole surgery has benefits over traditional, open surgery, as the small incisions required in keyhole surgery lead to reduced haemorrhaging, which in turn reduces the need for a blood transfusion. The small incision can reduce the pain felt by the patient, can shorten recovery time and often results in less post-operative scarring.

[0005] Current training devices for training trainee clinicians include a device made from strips of gauze held in a substantially planar manner using metal clips. Markings are drawn on the gauze and the trainee surgeon must try to following the markings with a scalpel or other cutting implement in order to form an incision in the gauze strip.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] In accordance with a first aspect, there is provided a training device suitable for use as a training aid for surgeons, the training device comprising: a body having comprising a first layer and a base; wherein the first layer extends over the base; and wherein a second layer is positioned between the first layer and the base.

One benefit of the above arrangement is that provides a trainee clinician with a device to test certain skills required for keyhole surgery experience that feels close to real life. The first is configured to mimic the material properties of the skin.

[0007] Optionally, the first layer is formed from a resilient film.

[0008] Optionally, the first layer is a latex layer.

[0009] Optionally, the first layer has a thickness from approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 0.3 mm. The first layer is configured to mimic the properties of the epidermic layer of the skin to give the trainee clinician an experience of making incisions as close to real life as possible.

[0010] Optionally, the base is rigid.

[0011] Optionally, the base and the first layer are spaced apart to form a container.

[0012] Optionally, the container is filled with a low viscosity material.

[0013] Optionally, the low viscosity material has rheological properties substantially similar to the rheological properties of blood. The low viscosity material may be given a pigment close to the pigment of blood.

[0014] Optionally, a gel-like material is provided between the first and second layers. The gel-like material is configured to mimic the material properties of blood plasma.

[0015] Optionally, the second layer has a thickness from approximately 0.7 mm to approximately 1.0 mm.

[0016] Optionally, the first layer is translucent.

[0017] Optionally, the first layer is provided with tracks.

[0018] Optionally, the second layer is translucent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a sketch of an example of a number of layers of a training device, and a training device; Figure 2 is a sketch of a three-dimensional representation of a training device; Figure 3 is a sketch of an example of a training device in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Surgical training requires many years of training, at university and in the clinical environment. Medical students and trainees require hours of practice in order to learn and perfect specific skills required to carry out complex procedures in the clinical environment.

[0021] A training device is showing in the lower portion of Figure 1. The training device 1 includes a first layer 8, and a base 4. The first layer 8 extends substantially over the base 8. The first layer is made from latex and has a thickness of approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 0.3 mm. The first layer is configured to mimic the properties if the epidermis, and therefore the thickness, flexibility, and rigidity of the first layer are adapted to closely match a typical epidermic layer.

[0022] The base 4 is a substantially rigid structure. In one example, the base has side walls which add to the rigidity of the base 4 and provide some depth to the training device.

In this arrangement, the base is a dish, having a base portion and side walls. The base is made from a hard plastic material.

[0023] In one example the training device includes a second layer 10. The first layer 8 extends over the second layer 10. The two layers are separated by a gel-like material, having material properties similar to the material properties of blood plasma so that the first 8 and second layers 10 are bonded together in a non-permanent manner. In one example, the light adhesive is a yellow gel which acts to separate the two layers of skin and also to mimic plasma in a real life situation. The gel has adhesive properties for keeping the first 8 and second layer 10 together when the first 8 and second layer 10 are not manipulated, but also lubricates the two layers when the layers are manipulated.

[0024] In one example, the training device 1 is filled with a low viscosity material 6. The low viscosity material replicates the rheological properties of blood.

[0025] The training device 1 has a dome shape.

[0026] Figure 2 shows the training device 1 as a three-dimensional sketch. The first layer 8 includes markings 14. The markings represent the line of incision the trainee clinician must perform. The shape of the markings will depend on the skills to be tested, but typically, round markings test a trainee clinician's dexterity because the training device 1 must not be moved as the trainee clinician makes the incision. The trainee clinician must therefore manoeuvre the cutting implement to accurate cut around corners.

[0027] The first layer and the second layer may be formed from translucent latex material, or a similar material having similar material properties.

[0028] In use, the training device can be used to test the trainee clinician's ability to separate layers of skin. The trainee clinician should be able to lift the first layer 8 of the training device 1 with a tool such as tweezers or grippers and use another tool such as a dissector 18 to cut around the pattern formed by the markings 14 as shown in Figure 3.

The light adhesive 16 separates the first and second layers 8, 10, and facilitates the separation of the two layers, with careful manipulation of the layers 8, 10. The gripper and the tweezers may form part of a laparoscopic arm or similar device.

[0029] If the trainee clinician accidently cuts through the second layer, the low viscosity material 6 will ooze out of the incision indicating to the trainee clinician that the training device is bleeding and the trainee will have failed the exercise.

[0030] The advantages of the training device are that it provides the user with an experience that feels close to real life. The first and second layers are configured to mimic the material properties of the skin, and the plasma and blood like materials further add to the experience. The training device 1 facilitates learning of essential skills required by trainee clinicians. Furthermore, the training device is inexpensive and can easily be disposed of after use.

[0031] It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that features described in relation to any of the embodiments described above can be applicable interchangeably between the different embodiments. The embodiments described above are examples to illustrate various features of the invention [0032] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0033] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments.

The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0034] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A tiaining device suitable for use as a training aid for surgeons, the training device comprising: a body having comprising a first layer and a base; wherein the first layer extends over the base; and wherein a second layer is positioned between the first layer and the base.
2. A training device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first layer is formed from a resilient film.
3. A training device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first layer is a latex layer.
4. A tiaining device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first layer has a thickness from approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 0.3 mm.
5. A training device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base is rigid.
6. A tiaining device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base and the first layer are spaced apart to form a container.
7. A training device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the container is filled with a low viscosity material.
8. A training device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the low viscosity material has rheological properties substantially similar to the rheological properties of blood.
9. A training device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a second layer is positioned between the first layer and the base.
10. A training device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first layer is releasably bonded to the second layer.
11. A training device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a gel-like material is provided between the first and second layer.
12. A training device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second layer has a thickness from approximately 0.7 mm to approximately 1.0 mm.
13. A training device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first layer is translucent.
14. A training device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first layer is provided with tracks.
15. A training device substantially as herein described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.