An Ex Vivo Skull And/or Brain Structure Model, a Process for the Manufacture and Uses Thereof

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention provides a method and model for accurately simulating the structure and feel of a human skull and/or brain using patient-specific imaging data. The method involves reconstructing the skull and brain from medical images, 3D-printing these structures, and casting a tactilely realistic brain from gelatin to closely mimic the properties of living brain tissue. The final physical model can be used to realistically simulate surgical interventions, such as external ventricular drain (EVD) placement, offering life-like anatomical and tactile feedback for medical training.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Neurosurgical training for residents and students, especially for EVD placement
• Surgical rehearsals or preoperative planning using patient-specific data
• Simulation and practice of brain tumor and aneurysm interventions
• Testing and evaluation of new neurosurgical instruments or procedures
• Medical education and demonstration for anatomical and procedural understanding

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Realistic anatomical and tactile simulation, closely mimicking live brain tissue
• Patient-specific models facilitate personalized preoperative planning and rehearsal
• Cost-effective production compared to traditional simulators or cadaveric specimens
• Reusable and flexible for multiple surgical training sessions from different access points
• Enables simulation in wet environments to practice handling of cerebrospinal fluid
• Improves resident skills, spatial awareness, and confidence by offering hands-on practice
• Fosters safer real-life surgical interventions by enabling effective, risk-free training

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The present invention discloses an ex vivo model of a skull and/or brain structure obtainable by the process comprising the steps of: providing one or more imaging data sets of a skull and/or brain structure of a subject, particularly of a patient; reconstructing and/or segmenting the skull and/or brain structure of the subject/patient based on the imaging data sets obtained/provided for under step a) using a suitable computer program; three-dimensional printing of the reconstructed and/or segmented skull and/or brain structure data obtained under step b); and in case of the brain structure, forming a negative model of the obtained brain structure under step c); and casting a surrogate brain structure of the said subject/patient from the negative model obtained under step d) using a gelatin substance; and in case of the skull and brain structure, combining the obtained skull and brain structure, so to form the ex vivo model. Further the present invention relates to such a process and to uses of the said ex vivo model of a skull and/or brain structure, particularly as an external ventricular drain model.