Synthetic vaginal cuff model and method of simulating vaginal cuff closure
A vaginal cuff surgical model and methods of manufacture and use thereof. The model includes a body (resembling a vaginal cuff) and appendages (resembling uterosacral ligaments) extending from the body. The model (body and appendages) is formed of silicone, rubber, a polymer, or other suitable material with one or more layers of mesh embedded within the polymeric material. The embedded mesh permits suture between the components of the model. The surgical model permits surgical practice of this important component of a total hysterectomy procedure via suturing across the model and to the appendages.
1. A vaginal cuff surgical model, comprising:
a rounded body resembling a vaginal cuff of an animal, said rounded body having a hollow interior and at least one open end, said rounded body formed of a polymeric material with a first embedded layer of mesh disposed along said rounded body in a first position suitable for suture; and
an appendage that resembles a uterosacral ligament extending from said rounded body at a lateral angle of said rounded body, said appendage formed of a polymeric material with a second embedded layer of mesh disposed along said appendage in a second position suitable for suture,
wherein said first and second embedded layers of mesh are structured to receive suture therebetween in order to affix said appendage to said rounded body.
2. A vaginal cuff surgical model as in claim 1 , further comprising:
said polymeric material selected from the group consisting of silicone, rubber, foam, and a combination thereof.
3. A vaginal cuff surgical model as in claim 1 , further comprising:
said first and second embedded layers of mesh are formed of nylon tulle netting mesh.
4. A vaginal cuff surgical model as in claim 1 , further comprising:
said first layer of embedded mesh being embedded 1-2 mm below an outer surface of said rounded body.
5. A vaginal cuff surgical model as in claim 1 , further comprising:
said second layer of embedded mesh being embedded 1-2 mm below an outer surface of said appendage.
6. A vaginal cuff surgical model as in claim 1 , further comprising:
a resin or liquid silicone binder.
7. A method of manufacturing a vaginal cuff surgical model, comprising:
providing a first polymeric material in a mold of a rounded body that mimics a vaginal cuff of an animal;
embedding a first layer of mesh in said first polymeric material;
providing a second polymeric material in a mold of an appendage that mimics a uterosacral ligament of said animal;
embedding a second layer of mesh in said polymeric material,
wherein said first and second embedded layers of mesh are structured to receive suture therebetween in order to affix said first and second polymeric materials together.
8. A method of manufacturing a vaginal cuff surgical model as in claim 7 , further comprising:
the step of embedding said first layer of mesh including embedding said first layer of mesh 1-2 mm below an outer surface of said first polymeric material.
9. A method of manufacturing a vaginal cuff surgical model as in claim 7 , further comprising:
the step of embedding said second layer of mesh including embedding said second layer of mesh 1-2 mm below an outer surface of said second polymeric material.
10. A method of manufacturing a vaginal cuff surgical model as in claim 7 , further comprising:
applying a resin or liquid silicone binder to said first polymeric material and said first layer of mesh.
11. A method of manufacturing a vaginal cuff surgical model as in claim 7 , further comprising:
applying a resin or liquid silicone binder to said second polymeric material and said second layer of mesh.
12. A method of manufacturing a vaginal cuff surgical model as in claim 7 , further comprising:
detachably coupling said first polymeric material embedded with said first layer of mesh to said second polymeric material embedded with said second layer of mesh.