Surgical simulation models, materials, and methods
Devices, systems, and methods appropriate for use in medical training using a patient simulator, various anatomical inserts, and an integrated camera and computer system are disclosed. In some instances, a surgical simulator is provided that includes a uterine assembly. The uterine assembly simulates the appearance and feel of natural tissue and includes a plurality of materials arranged and dimensioned to simulate anatomic structures such as a right fallopian tube, a left fallopian tube, a right ovary, a left ovary, a uterus having a cervix, a bladder, ureters, a peritoneum, a uterine artery, a uterine vein, a plurality of ligaments, an ovarian artery, an ovarian vein, a perineum, and a vagina. In some implementations, at least the uterine artery, uterine vein, ovarian artery, and ovarian vein are in communication with a fluid supply such that each is pressurized with a blood-like fluid to simulate natural arteries and veins.
1. A surgical simulator, comprising:
a uterine assembly simulating the appearance and feel of natural tissue, the uterine assembly including a plurality of materials arranged and dimensioned to simulate at least the following anatomic structures:
a right fallopian tube,
a left fallopian tube,
a right ovary,
a left ovary,
a uterus having a cervix,
a bladder,
ureters,
a peritoneum,
a uterine artery,
a uterine vein,
a plurality of ligaments,
an ovarian artery,
an ovarian vein,
a perineum, and
a vagina;
wherein at least the uterine artery, uterine vein, ovarian artery, and ovarian vein are in communication with a fluid supply such that each is pressurized with a blood-like fluid to simulate natural arteries and veins.
2. The surgical simulator of claim 1 , wherein the uterine assembly is sized and shaped to be received within a pelvic opening of a manikin.
3. The surgical simulator of claim 2 , wherein the manikin comprises a torso.
4. The surgical simulator of claim 3 , wherein the manikin further comprises arms, legs, and a head coupled to the torso.
5. The surgical simulator of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of ligaments comprise a round ligament, a uterosacral ligament, and a infundibulopelvic ligament.
6. The surgical simulator of claim 1 , wherein each of the right and left fallopian tubes include fimbriae at a free end not connected to the uterus.
7. The surgical simulator of claim 1 , wherein the uterus is sized and shaped to simulate a normal human uterus.
8. The surgical simulator of claim 1 , wherein the uterus is sized and shaped to simulate an enlarged human uterus.
9. The surgical simulator of claim 1 , wherein the uterus is positioned in an anteverted position.
10. The surgical simulator of claim 1 , wherein the uterus is positioned in a retroverted position.
11. The surgical simulator of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the left and right fallopian tubes includes a simulated ruptured ectopic pregnancy.
12. The surgical simulator of claim 11 , wherein the simulated ruptured ectopic pregnancy is in communication with the fluid supply such that the ruptured ectopic pregnancy simulates bleeding.
13. The surgical simulator of claim 1 , further comprising a shunt between a uterine cavity and at least one of the uterine vein and ovarian vein such that when fluid flows through the at least one uterine or ovarian vein the fluid will pool within the uterine cavity and flow out from the vagina simulating hemorrhaging.
14. The surgical simulator of claim 1 , wherein the uterine assembly is configured to facilitate training and assessment of one or more of the following procedures:
diagnosing and treating a ruptured ectopic pregnancy;
performing a dilatation and curettage;
diagnosing and treating a bleeding disorder;
performing a bladder repair, and
performing a vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy.
15. The surgical simulator of claim 1 , wherein the uterine artery and ovarian artery are in communication with a fluid supply that is separate from the fluid supply of the uterine vein and ovarian vein.
16. The surgical simulator of claim 15 , wherein the fluid supply of the uterine artery and ovarian artery provides a pulsatile flow and the fluid supply of the uterine vein and ovarian vein provides a steady flow.
17. The surgical simulator of claim 16 , wherein the fluid supply of the uterine artery and ovarian artery comprises a fluid-filled bag with an adjacent air bag, wherein the air bag is selectively inflated and deflated to control the flow of fluid through the uterine artery and ovarian artery.
18. The surgical simulator of claim 17 , wherein the fluid supply of the uterine vein and ovarian vein comprises a fluid-filled bag with an adjacent air bag, wherein the air bag is selectively inflated and deflated to control the flow of fluid through the uterine vein and ovarian vein.
19. The surgical simulator of claim 18 , further comprising at least one air compressor in communication with the air bags of the fluid supplies of the uterine artery and ovarian artery and the uterine vein and ovarian vein.
20. The surgical simulator of claim 1 , further comprising a dermoid cyst formed on at least one of the left ovary and right ovary.