Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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SURGICAL SIMULATION ASSEMBLY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
100011 This invention relates generally to an assembly used for surgical
simulations to allow
for realistic surgical training on animal or cadaver hearts and lungs. In
particular, the invention
relates to a support and tray assembly, where the tray is molded with
indentations for the receipt
of organs and air hoses to simulate realistic surgical conditions on the heart
and lungs of the
animal or cadaver for purposes of training or certifying medical
professionals.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Surgical skill training is imperative before a surgeon or surgical
trainee attempts
surgery on live patients. New surgical procedures are constantly being
developed that require
both surgeons and surgical trainees to practice new surgical procedures before
operating on live
patients.
[0003] Historically, surgical training has been provided through
apprenticeships almost
exclusively offered in hospital settings. Residents performed surgery under
the supervision of
more experienced surgeons. The type of situations presented to the surgeon
trainee was largely
driven by chance as the nature and timing of situations needing surgery found
in patients was not
under anyone's control. This model of using a stream of situations as
presented by clinical
service of human patients does not provide a model for repetition until
mastery. As the number
of hours that residents are available for surgery has decreased, the range of
surgical events
presented to surgical residents has also decreased. The failure rate for
surgery board
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certifications exams is now in the range of 26%. For specialized board
certifications such as
thoracic surgery, the rate has been as high as 33%.
[0004] For this reason, simulators that provide for realistic surgical
environments for surgical
training purposes have become increasingly valuable tools. Many known surgical
training
stimulators exists that use organ models or computer-generated virtual reality
systems. These
training simulators, however, only provide limited realism and are expensive.
For this reason,
often times, anaesthetized animals are used for vivo training. However,
ethical concerns
surrounding the use of the live animals for training is a concern for some.
[0005] More recently, simulators have been developed that allow for a full
operative
experience with cardiac surgery and with lung surgery (both open and
thoracoscopic) without the
use of live animals. Such lifelike simulators can use either animal (e.g.,
porcine) organs, or
human cadaver organs for surgery education and training. The simulators use
organs that have
been re-animated using hydraulics, reperfusion, and computer orchestration,
and are then placed
in a human equivalent model.
[0006] In one example, the model uses a porcine heart that is prepared with
an
intraventricular balloon in each ventricle. The balloons are inflated by a
computer controlled
activator. The computer program is able to simulate the beating heart, various
cardiac
arrhythmias, hypo- and hypertensive states, cardiac arrest, and even placement
of an intra-aortic
balloon pump. The model is per-fused with a washable blood substitute. When
placed in a replica
of the pericardial well in a mannequin, the RCSS is capable of duplicating
most aspects of
cardiac surgery including all aspects of cardiopulmonary bypass, coronary
artery bypass grafting
both on and off bypass, aortic valve replacement, heart transplantation, and
aortic root
reconstruction. The computer protocols also make experience with adverse
events such as
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accidental instillation of air into the pump circuit, aortic dissection, and
sudden ventricular
fibrillation after discontinuation of cardiopulmonary bypass possible.
[0007] Descriptions of work on surgical simulators are found in Feins et
al.
W02012/0510533; Ramphal et al. US Pat. No. 7,7910,1015; Cooper et al. US Pat.
No.
6,336,1012; and Younker US Pat. No. 5, 951,301.
[0008] A need exists to help facilitate and easily repeat such realistic
surgical simulations to
increase the educational experience and practice achieved thorough the
introduction of the new
surgical simulators on animal and cadaver organs. In particular, a need exists
for the quick and
easily set-up, as well as disposal of the organs, so that such simulations can
be repeatly
performed without unnecessary down-time in most any environment. In this
manner,
procedures, tools and techniques can be demonstrated and practiced repeatedly,
with minimal
downtime between simulations, in most any environment.
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SUMMARY
[0009] A surgical simulation assembly is provided for simulating realistic
surgery on animal
organs or human cadavers. The surgical simulation assembly comprises a
generally flat tray
having a central indentation for receiving an organ, at least one drainage
aperture and at least one
indented trough extending from the central indentation for receiving at least
one tube. The tray
is assembled with a simulator heart and lungs prepped for connection to a
variable speed double
action air pump assembly that creates both positive pressure and a vacuum on
the heart to
simulate a beating heart.
[0010] The tray is supported on a basket having a lower containment portion
for containing
fluid waste collected during the simulated surgery. The basket is elevated by
risers over a base
member designed to support the assembly. The risers may be slideably engaged
with the base to
adjust the location of the basket relative to the base. The base may further
include a plurality of
adjustable height legs to allow the base to act as a table.
[0011] In operation, the basket of the support structure is lined to catch
fluid waste from the
tray. In one example, the basket may be lined with a containment bag. The
prepped surgical
simulation tray is then placed on the basket. The simulator heart is connected
to the air pump to
simulate a heartbeat. Once the surgery is completed, the organs are
disconnected from the air
pump and any other extraneous devices or elements (i.e., IV for perfusion of
fluids). The tray
and organs can then be placed within the containment bag, along with any
collected fluid and
disposed. Another containment bag can then line the basket and another prepped
tray can then
be place on the basket to simulate another surgery.
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[0012] The invention also provides an improved air pumping assembly for a
surgical
simulation which comprises a variable speed double action air pump that
creates both positive
pressure and a vacuum.
[0013] This summary is meant to provide an introduction to the concepts
that are disclosed
within the specification without being an exhaustive list of the many
teachings and variations
upon those teachings that are provided in the extended discussion within this
disclosure. Thus,
the contents of the summary should not be used to limit the scope of the
claims that follow.
[0014] Other devices, apparatus, systems, methods, features and advantages
of the invention
will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination
of the following
figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional
systems, methods, features
and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the
invention, and be
protected by the accompanying claims. Further, it is not necessary to provide
examples of every
possible combination of the inventive concepts described in this application
as one of skill in the
art will recognize that inventive concepts illustrated in the application can
be combined together
in order to address a specific application or modified based upon concepts
known in the art to
address specific applications.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0015] The invention may be better understood by referring to the following
figures. The
components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being
placed upon
illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference
numerals designate
corresponding parts throughout the different views.
[0016] Figure 1 illustrates a top perspective view of one example of one
implementation of a
surgical simulation assembly of the present invention.
[0017] Figure 2 illustrates a top perspective view of one example of one
implementation of a
surgical simulation tray of the present invention.
[0018] Figure 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the surgical
simulation tray of Figure
2.
[0019] Figure 4 illustrates a plan view of the surgical simulation tray of
Figure 2.
[0020] Figure 5 illustrates a front elevation view of the surgical
simulation tray of Figure 2.
[0021] Figure 6 illustrates a rear elevation view of the surgical
simulation tray of Figure 2.
[0022] Figure 7 illustrates a bottom view of the surgical simulation tray
of Figure 2.
[0023] Figure 8 illustrates a right side view of the surgical simulation
tray of Figure 2.
[0024] Figure 9 illustrates a left side view of the surgical simulation
tray of Figure 2.
[0025] Figure 10 illustrates a top perspective view of one example of one
implementation of
a surgical simulation support structure for supporting the surgical simulation
tray an elevated
position.
[0026] Figure 11 illustrates a side elevation view of the surgical
simulation support structure
of Figure 10.
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[0027] Figure 12 illustrates a rear elevation view of the surgical
simulation support structure
of Figure 10.
[0028] Figure 13 illustrates a top perspective view of the surgical
simulation support
structure of Figure 10 showing the legs folded under the base member.
[0029] Figure 14 illustrates a side elevation view of the surgical
simulation support structure
of Figure 13.
[0030] Figure 15 illustrates a rear elevation view of the surgical
simulation support structure
of Figure 13.
[0031] Figure 16 illustrates a top perspective view the surgical simulation
support structure
of Figure 13 having a containment bag placed within the basket of the support
structure and
having the tray positioned on the upper support portion of the basket.
[0032] Figures 17 illustrates a top perspective view of one example of an
implementation of
the surgical simulation assembly of the present invention showing a prepped
pig block affixed to
the surgical simulation tray.
[0033] Figure 18 illustrates a top perspective view of one example of an
implementation of
the surgical assembly of the present invention showing a half torso affixed to
the surgical
simulation tray.
[0034] Figure 19 illustrates a schematic of one example of one
implementation of an air
pump assembly for use in connection with the present invention.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] Figure 1 illustrates a top perspective view of one example of a
surgical simulation
assembly 100 of the present invention. The surgical simulation assembly 100
includes a surgical
simulation tray 120 (see Figures 2-9) and a surgical simulation support 150
(see Figures 10-16)
for supporting and elevating the surgical simulation tray 120 during surgical
simulation. As will
also be explained further below, for simulation, the tray 120 accompanied by a
surgical organ
block 1700 (Figure 17), such as prepped animal or cadaver heart and/or lungs
affixed to the tray
120 for use in the surgical simulation procedure (See Figures 17-110). The
surgical procedure
may be simulated through the use of an air pump (Figure 19).
[0036] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used in
this application
have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the
art to which this
invention belongs. The article "a" and "an" are used herein to refer to one or
more than one (i.e.,
to at least one) of the grammatical object(s) of the article. By way of
example, "an element"
means one or more elements.
[0037] Throughout the application the word "comprising," or variations such
as "comprises"
or "comprising," will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated
element, integer or step, or
group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other
element, integer or step,
or group of elements, integers or steps. The present invention may suitably
"comprise", "consist
of', or "consist essentially of', the steps, elements, and/or reagents
described in the claims.
[0038] It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any
optional element. As
such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such
exclusive
terminology as "solely", "only" and the like in connection with the recitation
of claim elements,
or the use of a "negative" limitation.
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100391 Turning now to Figures 2 and 3, Figures 2 and 3 illustrate top and
bottom perspective
views, respectively, of one example of a surgical simulation tray 120 of the
present invention. In
the illustrated example, the tray 120 comprises a generally flat rectangular
tray 120 that may be
molded, or alternatively, machined, or formed using 3D printing technology.
The tray 120
includes indentations sized to receive organs 122, a graduated trough for
housing tube and hoses
124, channels for housing additional tubes 126 and 1210 and a drainage channel
with aperture
130. The hoses may be air hoses and tubes housed in the trough 124 and
channels 126 and 1210
to simulate a beating heart or blood flood through the simulated organs. The
tray 120 further
includes a plate recess 134 for containing the tubes and hoses within the
trough 124. Tray 120
further includes a raised perimeter 132, creating a boundary for the tray 120
to assist in
maintaining items on the tray 120.
100401 As best illustrated by Figure 4, which illustrates a plan view of
the surgical simulation
tray 120 of Figure 2, the central indentation 122 is sized to receive at least
part of a porcine heart,
thereby creating an organ cavity. Extending from the central indentation 122
are one or more
troughs 124 and/or channels 126, 1210 for housing tubes and hoses connected to
the simulator
organs. In operation, the tubes and hoses may provide some combination of one
or more
pneumatic supply lines, one or more pressurized fluid supply lines or,
optionally, one or more
instrument communication buses. To keep the hoses within the trough 124 and
channels 126,
1210, a plate (not shown) may be positioned within a plate recess 134 created
in the tray 120.
The plate, when positioned in the plate recess 134, covers the hoses before
affixing the simulator
organs to the tray 120. In this manner, the tubes are concealed under the
organs to create a more
realistic surgical environment.
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[0041] In the illustrated example, the tray 120 is designed for use with
porcine organs.
However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the tray may be utilized
in connection with
or specifically designed to be utilized in connection with other animal
organs, as well as human
cadaver organs.
[0042] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate front and back elevation views of the
surgical simulation
tray of Figure 2. Figures 5 and 6, along with Figures 8 and 9, which
illustrate right and left sides
elevation views of the surgical simulation tray 120, respectively, best show
the contour and
extension of central indentation 122, the graduated trough 124 and channels
126 and 1210, and
the plate recess 134 below the surface of the tray 120. Similarly, Figure 7
illustrates a bottom
view of the surgical simulation tray of Figure 2, which illustrates the
drainage aperture 130, in
additional to the molded central indentation 122, the graduated trough and
channels 126 and
1210 and the plate recess 134.
[0043] A support structure may further be provided as part of the surgical
simulation
assembly 100 that supports the surgical simulation tray 120 in an elevated
position for surgical
demonstration. Figure 10 illustrates a top perspective view of one example of
one
implementation of a surgical simulation support structure 150 for supporting
the surgical
simulation tray 120 in an elevated position.
[0044] As illustrated in Figure 10, the surgical simulation support
structure 150 includes a
base frame or lower support frame 1002 and risers 1004, 1006, which elevate a
basket or upper
support frame 1008 over the base frame member 1002. The base frame 1008 may be
supported
directly on a table or may include a plurality of legs 1010, as illustrated in
Figure 10, to support
the base frame 1002 at a desired height for performing simulated surgery.
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[0045] As illustrated in Figure 10, the base frame 1002 may be defined by a
front rail 1012,
back rail 1014, and opposing side rails 1016. The risers 1004, 1006 may be
slidably connected
to the base frame 1002 with clamping knobs 1020 that slidably position the
basket 1008 along
the base frame 1002 such that the basket 1008 may move along the base frame
1002 from front
to back to adjust the location of the basket 1008 along the base frame 1002.
In this manner, the
basket 1008 is affixed to the table so as to be centered on the base frame
1002 or positioned to
one side or the other side of the base frame 1002. By allowing for the
adjustment of the basket
1008 from front to back along the base frame 1002, a robot controlled
instrument may enter the
simulation organ from below the simulation organ.
[0046] When legs 1010 are desired to be attached to the base frame 1002,
the plurality of
legs 1010 may be affixed directly to the base frame 1002. Alternatively, and
as illustrated, the
legs 1010 may be connected to the base frame 1002 in a manner that permits the
legs 1010 to
fold and be stored underneath and within the boundaries of the base frame 1002
when not in use.
[0047] When foldable legs 1010 are desired for use in connection with the
base frame 1002,
downwardly extending connecting members 1018 may be affixed to the corners of
the base
frame 1002 to interconnect with the legs 1010. In addition to being foldable,
the legs 1010 may
also be adjustable for height.
[0048] To fold the legs 1010 inward, underneath the base frame 1002, ninety
degree pivot
support assemblies, with spring loaded handles 1032, are affixed between the
downwardly
extending connecting members 1018 and the legs 1010. In this manner, the
releasing of the
spring loaded handles of the pivot support assemblies can release the legs
1010 from their open
position and allow them to fold inward to a folded or closed position
underneath the base frame
1002.
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[0049] The legs 1010 may also include leg extensions 1030 that adjust the
height of the legs
1010. The leg extensions 1030 may slideably affixed to the legs 1010 and
adjustable along the
length of the legs 1010 through the use of clamping knobs 1036. To allow for
the folding of the
legs 1010 underneath the base frame 1002, the length of the legs 1010 may be
adjusted to be less
than the width of the base 1002 such that the legs 1010 when the leg
extensions 1030 are fully
retracted and folded underneath the base frame 1002, the legs will be
contained underneath the
base frame 1002 as illustrated in Figures 13 through 16.
[0050] As better illustrated in connection with Figures 17 and 18, the
support structure 150
may be designed so that an organ block or partial torso may be located on top
of the tray 120.
The assembly 100 may also include straps or other attachment mechanisms for
attaching the
organ block or partial torso to the tray 120. The assembly may also be
equipped with a pole for
hanging an intravenous (IV) fluid line(s).
[0051] When the legs 1010 extend and fold, the support structure 150 may be
collapsed to fit
inside an appropriately sized carrying case (aka shipping crate), a suitcase
or other container
suitable for transport. It would also be designed to fit easily into the truck
of a car to assist with
visits to hospitals, surgical instrument providers, or other training venues.
[0052] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate one example of possible dimensions for
the surgical
simulation support structure 150 of the invention. Figure 11 illustrates a
side elevation view of
the surgical simulation support structure of Figure 10, whereas, Figure 12
illustrates a rear
elevation view of the surgical simulation support structure of Figure 10.
[0053] In this example, the surgical simulation support structure 150 is
provided with
foldable adjustable legs 1010. As illustrated, the risers 1004, 1006 elevate
the surgical simulation
tray 120 approximately 11 inches off of the base frame 1002. The basket 1008,
from top to
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bottom, comprises approximately 4 1/2 inches of the total height of the risers
1004, 1006. The 4
1/2 inch basket 1008 is positioned at the top of the risers 1004, 1006 and
includes an upper
support portion 1040 defined by the perimeter opening of the basket 1008. The
upper support
portion 1040 is designed to support the surgical simulation tray 120. The
upper support portion
1040 of the basket 1008 used to support the surgical tray 120 is approximately
23 1/4 inches in
length (measure from side to side) by 7 1/2 inches wide (measured from front
to back).
[0054] The indentation 122, trough 124, channels 124, 126 and drainage
aperture 130 within
the tray 120 are positioned within the basket 1008 of the risers 1004, 1006
when placed upon the
upper support portion 1040. In this manner, when the basket 1008 is lined with
a containment
device, such as a containment bag, the fluid from the tray 120 flows through
the apertures 130 in
the tray 120. The fluid is then collected by the containment bag positioned
within the basket
1008.
[0055] The base frame 1002 is approximately the same length as the basket
1008 and has a
width, in the illustrated example, of approximately 17 inches from front to
back.
[0056] When the legs 1010 are designed to be retracted and foldable
underneath the base
frame 1002, it is required that opposing legs 1010 be attached at different
positions along the
1018 connecting members 1018 to allow the legs 1010 to fold one on top of the
other. In this
manner, the leg 1010 affixed along its respective downwardly extending
connecting member
1018 at a point higher than the opposing leg 1010 must be slightly longer than
the opposing leg
1010 to permit the support structure 150 to be level.
[0057] In the illustrated example the legs on one side of the support
structure 150 are
attached approximately 1 inch higher than the opposing legs and are therefore
1 inch longer than
the opposing legs 1010. When collapsing the legs 1010, the pair of longer legs
1010 would be
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folded first under the base frame 1002. The legs 1010 may be connected by a
cross bar 1060 for
additional support and to facilitate the folding of the legs 1010 together.
[0058] As illustrated, the longer legs 1010 are then affixed at a position
closer to the base
frame 1008 whereas the shorter legs is affixed at the position more distal
from the base frame
1002. The longer legs 1010 are then folded against the based frame 1002 first
followed by the
shorter legs 1010, which then will fold on top of the longer legs 1010.
[0059] Figures 13, 14 and 15 illustrate a surgical simulation support
structure 150 as it would
appear with the plurality of legs 1010 folded underneath the base frame 1002.
In particular,
Figure 13 illustrates a top perspective view of the surgical simulation
support structure 150 of
Figure 10 showing the legs folded under the base frame member. Figure 14
illustrates a side
elevation view of the surgical simulation support structure 150 of Figure 11,
and Figure 15
illustrates a rear elevation view of the surgical simulation support structure
of Figure 11.
[0060] As illustrated and discussed above, the longer legs 1010 are
connected by the pivot
support structures 1032 along the connecting members closer to the base frame
1002
(approximately 1 inch higher than the opposing legs 1010). The longer legs
1010 are first
released and folded inward towards the base frame 1002 such that they are
positioned widthwise
underneath the base frame 1002. Next, the opposing shorter leg members 1010
are then released
and folded inward toward the base frame 1002 such that they are also
positioned underneath the
base frame 1002 but rest just below the longer leg members 1010. As
illustrated in the figures,
the leg members 1010 fold securely under and a fit within the boundaries of
the base frame 1002.
[0061] Figures 16-19 illustrate several example uses of the surgical
simulation tray 120 and
support structure 150 in connection with a simulated surgery. In particular,
Figures 16-19 further
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illustrate additional components of the assembly required to fully stimulate a
realistic surgical
environment.
[0062] Figure 16 illustrates a top perspective view the surgical simulation
support structure
of Figure 10 having a containment or collection bag 1600 placed within the
basket 1008 of the
support structure 150. The tray 120 is further positioned on the upper support
portion 1040 of
the basket 1008. As part of the simulation, a lightly pressurized water/paint
mixture resembling
blood may be provided to the simulated organs through tubing connected to the
organ. In this
manner, blood emulating fluid may be provided to the organ. For example, when
pumped into
the heart, the fluid may be pumped into a divided right pulmonary artery and a
divided right
superior pulmonary vein to distend and pressurize the venous and arterial
systems. Static fluid
pressure within the vessels may be achieved using gravity flow from a one-
liter IV bag. Pressure
may be limited to avoid severe pulmonary edema. Extended perfusion times (1-2
hours) may be
maintained without substantial fluid leakage into the airways by preparing the
porcine organ
block to occlude the left mainstem bronchus to inhibit leaking and loss of
pressure.
[0063] Because blood emulating fluid is provided to the organ for
simulation, certain of the
fluid will be released during the surgical simulation. The fluid may then be
drained from the tray
120 through the drainage aperture 130 and collected in the containment bag
1600. Once the
surgery is completed, the organs are disconnected from the air pump and any
other extraneous
devices or elements (i.e., IV for perfusion of fluids). The tray 120 and
organs can then be placed
within the containment bag 1600, along with any collected fluid and disposed.
Another
containment bag 1600 can then line the basket 1008 and another prepped tray
120 can then be
placed on the basket 1008 to simulate another surgery. While the use of the
containment bag
1600 is illustrated to line the basket 1008, those skilled in the art will
recognize that other
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devices and structures, in addition to a containment bag 1600, may be utilized
to line the basket
1008 and collect and remove the fluid from the surgical procedure.
[0064] Figure 17 illustrates a top perspective view of one example of an
implementation of
the surgical simulation assembly 100 of the present invention showing a
prepped organ block
1700 affixed to the surgical simulation tray 120, which in this case, is a
porcine organ block.
Organ blocks 1700 may consist of the heart 1702 with pericardium (not shown),
lungs 1704,
trachea 1706, esophagus 1708, and 10-12 inches of aorta 1710. The organ blocks
are harvested
from animals before butchering the animal for food products.
[0065] The affixed animal organ block heart with one or more lungs 1700 may
be affixed to
the tray 120 by two or more block tie ropes 1720. The organ block 1700 may be
affixed, for
example, by attachment to a trachea 1706 and an aorta 1710 of the heart lung
block. The affixed
organ block 1700 may be a pig heart lung block. Alternatively, the animal
heart and lung may be
a human cadaver heart and lung or may be taken from another animal.
[0066] To simulate surgery, the organs in the block 1700 are prepped with
the tray 120 in
advance for quick connection to a pump and other equipment used to simulate
realistic surgical
experience. Organ preparation starts with an incision of the pericardium on
the right posterior
side of the heart so that it could be reattached with no noticeable holes when
viewed from the left
side. The superior vena cava, inferior vena cava, right pulmonary artery, and
right pulmonary
veins are then divided with care taken to leave as much vessel length as
possible. The right lung
is then fully detached and the organs are washed extensively to remove
coagulated blood from
the heart and vessels. All divided vessels except for the main branch of the
right pulmonary
artery and right superior pulmonary vein are then tied off using 0-silk.
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[0067] Small diameter plastic tubes with Luer-Lok connectors are then
placed into the
divided right pulmonary artery and right superior pulmonary vein, and fixed
using purse-string
sutures. To create distention of the aorta, silicone caulking was injected to
the level of the
ascending aorta.
[0068] After the silicone has cured, the brachiocephalic trunk and left
common carotid are
tied off using 0-silk. Finally, the left mainstem bronchus was occluded by
stapling the divided
right mainstem bronchus as well as the proximal trachea. The left hilum
remained unaltered, and
all modifications to the heart were hidden by the pericardium during the
procedure. Following
preparation, the organs may be stored at 4 degrees Celsius in 10% ethanol
containing 1/2 teaspoon
of red food coloring, where they will remain fresh for at least 1 month.
Alternatively, 40%
ethanol can be used to preserve the organs for over a year to 18 months and
still perform as well
as freshly harvested organs.
[0069] The porcine organ block 1700 can be affixed to, or positioned on,
the tray 120. For
purposes of simulating a human, the porcine heart can be rotated to emulate
the position of a
human heart in a torso. For example, the left side of the porcine heart can be
placed into the
central indentation 122 of the tray 120 with the left lung placed over an
inflatable air bladder.
[0070] Inflation and deflation of lungs of a real patient causes the rise
and fall of the
mediastinum. An appropriate volume of air or some other fluid may be used to
inflate and
deflate an appropriately sized and placed container hidden under the tissue to
be animated with
movement. For example a respiration rate of 20 breaths per minute can be
simulated by
periodically expanding an air bladder such as a whoopee cushion, or an empty
one-liter IV bag
that is folded in half.
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[0071] A balloon placed in the heart and connected to a closed system air
source to allow for
emulating the beating of a heart (such as at a rate of 710 beats per minute)
adds to the sense of
realism of the staged reality event.
[0072] Thus, this staged reality module could be animated by providing one
quick connect
fitting to connect the heart balloon to the air supply 1750 (i.e., motor) to
provide the beating
heart effect via pneumatic lines 1730. A second quick connect fitting to a
different pneumatic
line 1730 provides the lung movement air. A quick connect of a fluid
connection to hydraulic or
fluid line 1740 joined with blood vessels allows for slightly pressured
simulated blood to be
provided. As used in this specification, a quick connect fitting is one that
may be connected to a
corresponding fitting without the use of tools. A quick connect fitting may be
used to connect to
hydraulic line, pneumatic line, electrical line, or digital communication bus.
[0073] Alternatively, as illustrated in Figure 18, a half torso 1800 can be
prepped for
affixation to the surgical simulation tray 120. Figure 18 is a top perspective
view of one example
of an implementation of the surgical assembly 100 of the present invention
showing a half torso
1800 affixed to the surgical simulation tray 120 using ties 1820 and having a
pneumatic tube
1830 connect to and extending from the organs from under the torso. The tray
120 and half torso
1800 are support by the support structure 150.
[0074] Figure 19 illustrates a schematic of one example of one
implementation of an air
pump assembly 1900 (motor not shown) for use in connection with the present
invention. As
illustrated, the improved air pumping assembly 1900 is a variable speed dual
action air pump
capable of creating both positive pressure and vacuum. The air pump may be
capable of both
varying a rate of pulsation to a simulated organ and varying a pressure
provided to the simulated
organ.
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CA 02857862 2014-07-25
[0075] In Figure 19, the numbered items are represented as follows and may
be constructed,
for example, from the vendor parts and part numbers provided.
Vendor Part
No. Description Vendor No.
1902 3/10" ID Tube to 3/10" ID Tube Connector McMaster Carr 2653K15
Carolina Fluid Clippard
1904 1/4" NPT (female)Bulkhead Fitting Components 15029-2
1906 3/10" ID Tube Tee Fitting McMaster Carr 44555T1106
1908 Check Valve 3/10" ID Tube to 1/4" NPT (Male) McMaster
Carr 1371T42
Filter for Inlet Air Check Valve and Ball Valve-1/4"
1910 NPT (Female) McMaster Carr 91033K25
1912 Panel Mount Ball Valve-1/4" NPT (Female)Ends McMaster Carr
4114T23
1914 'A" NPT (Male) to 3/10" ID Tube Hose Barb McMaster Carr 5346K110
900 3/10" NPT (Male) to 3/10"Tube Cylinder
1916 Fitting McMaster Carr 53525K110
Carolina Fluid
1918 Bimba 3" Air Cylinder Components 704-DXPF
1920 3/10" ID Flexible Air Tubing TBD
Carolina Fluid Bimba D-
1922 Cylinder Mount Kit Components 13512-A
1924 1/4" NPT (Male)Inlet Filter for 1/4" Ball Valve McMaster-Carr
91033K22
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CA 02857862 2014-07-25
[0076] The double action air pump assembly 1900 may be driven by an
electric motor (not
shown). The motor may be AC or DC. The motor may be geared or direct drive;
the motor may
be a variable speed. In one example of an implementation, in addition to the
variable speed, the
pressure delivered by the pump to the simulated organ may also be variable.
Air cylinder may be
single or double action. With a double acting cylinder system, one need not
use both of the
outputs. Alternatively, one might use a single acting cylinder.
[0077] For example, two or more pumps may be used, linked on a common shaft
or
separately controlled by electronic means, where one of the pumps feeds a
balloon placed in the
atria and another pump feeds a balloon placed in the ventricles. The phase
shift between the two
pumps can be a variable and can be controlled by an external control computer.
Alternatively,
the output of the two pumps can be fed into one balloon placed in either the
atria or the
ventricles.
[0078] The improved air pumping assembly may further comprise a sound
system capable of
generating sounds of a hospital heart monitor. The sound may be a heart pulse
rate monitor
sound or pulse rate sound from a pulse oximeter; or other sound that provides
information about
vital signs in an operating room, an intensive care unit, or an ambulance. The
sounds may be
synchronized with the air pump.
[0079] It is to be understood that, while the invention has been described
in conjunction with
the detailed description, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate
and not limit the scope
of the invention. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications of the
invention are within the
scope of the claims set forth below.
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