Granted Patent B2

US 12,658,074 · App. 18/746,563 · Granted Jun 16, 2026

Inventors: Adam Hoke (Shelbyville, MI); Tracy Breslin (Trabuco Canyon, CA); Charles C. Hart (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA); Eduardo Bolanos (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA)

Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation

G09B23/34G09B23/28G09B23/30

Abstract

Claims (27)

1 . A simulated tissue structure for training the surgical removal of tumors, comprising:

a simulated tissue portion comprising:

a base layer;

a defect layer located above and connected to the base layer, the defect layer including a defect defining a gap; and

a simulated tumor mass located above the defect layer and overlaying at least a portion of the defect,

wherein the defect layer is a multi-part layer comprising a plurality of juxtaposed pieces, and wherein the gap is defined between two opposed surfaces of the plurality of juxtaposed pieces.

2 . The simulated tissue structure of claim 1 wherein the plurality of juxtaposed pieces form multiple defects between any two opposed surfaces of the plurality of juxtaposed pieces; the multiple defects having varying shapes and thicknesses.

3 . The simulated tissue structure of claim 1 further comprising a cover layer above the base layer and overlaying the simulated tumor mass, wherein the cover layer is transparent or translucent.

4 . The simulated tissue structure of claim 3 wherein at least one of the base layer, defect layer and cover layer includes a mesh material.

5 . The simulated tissue structure of claim 1 wherein the defect layer is either formed integrally with the base layer or as a separate layer that is adhered to the base layer.

6 . The simulated tissue structure of claim 1 wherein the defect has a circular, elongate, rectangular, elliptical or an amorphic shape, when viewed from the top.

7 . The simulated tissue structure of claim 1 wherein the simulated tumor mass is made of silicone material.

8 . The simulated tissue structure of claim 1 wherein the simulated tissue portion is configured such that a remnant defect in the simulated tissue portion is created after excision of the simulated tumor mass; the remnant defect being surgically closable with sutures and staples.

9 . The simulated tissue structure of claim 1 wherein the simulated tissue portion comprises a tumor-receiving portion configured to locate the simulated tumor mass; the tumor-receiving portion comprising a concavity, indent, half-pocket or a location of reduced thickness.

10 . The simulated tissue structure of claim 1 wherein the base layer is tubular in shape having an outer perimeter; the base layer being either planar or non-planar.

11 . The simulated tissue structure of claim 10 wherein the defect layer is tubular in shape having an outer perimeter; the defect layer being connected to the base layer such that the outer perimeter of the base layer and the outer perimeter of the defect layer are aligned.

12 . The simulated tissue structure of claim 1 further comprising a support sized and configured to receive the simulated tissue portion; the support having a top frame connected to a bottom frame, wherein at least one of the top frame and bottom frame comprises a window.

13 . The simulated tissue structure of claim 12 wherein each of the top frame and bottom frame comprises a window, and the windows of the top and bottom frames are aligned with each other.

14 . The simulated tissue structure of claim 1 further comprising:

a module support comprising at least one module-receiving portion formed in the module support; and

a simulated tumor module sized and configured to be removably and interchangeably inserted into the at least one module-receiving portion, the simulated tumor module comprising the simulated tissue portion.

15 . The simulated tissue structure of claim 14 wherein the module support is shaped to mimic a human uterus or at least in part to simulate a human organ.

16 . The simulated tissue structure of claim 1 wherein the defect layer includes a plurality of protrusions extending from the base layer; the plurality of protrusions in the defect layer are configured into a lattice shaped pattern raising above the base layer or projecting upwardly from the base layer, wherein the upward projections from the base layer provide locations for hooking a suture needle while providing a platform to raise the simulated tumor mass for excision.

17 . A system comprising a surgical training device configured to mimic a torso and the simulated tissue structure of claim 1 .

18 . The system of claim 17 wherein the surgical training device comprises a base and a top cover connected to and spaced apart from the base to define an internal cavity between the top cover and the base; the top cover comprising an opening and an insert sized and configured to fit into the opening of the top cover and connect thereto.

19 . The system of claim 18 wherein the simulated tissue structure is configured for suspension and connection to the insert of the top cover, or for placement inside the internal cavity.

20 . The simulated tissue structure of claim 18 wherein the internal cavity is at least partially obstructed from direct observation by a user.

Continuity (5)

References Cited (400)