DESC:Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to the field of surgical field, more particularly, to trainer model designed to allow surgeon practice surgical procedure with more realistic feel.

Background of the Invention
It would be advantageous for surgeons to have ability to practice surgeries on a simulated model rather than learning on a live patient. There are various surgical trainers, simulators, endo trainers, and similar products available in the market which are designed for the purpose of training surgeons in different surgical procedures. However, these products are made of rigid casing that do not provide surgeons a realistic visual model of pneumoperitoneum. There still remains a need for a trainer model that can allow surgeons to practice surgical procedure sessions that are more realistic and/or includes additional simulated features.

Summary of the Invention
The present invention provides an improved trainer model to allow training a surgeon in surgical procedure, which is designed to increase their level of realistic familiarity in performing various surgical procedures including endoscopic and laparoscopic procedure.

The present invention provides an improved trainer model comprising a flexible gel sheet on its top surface and a built-in provision for insufflation. The trainer model simulates a realistic feel of the pneumoperitoneum, which enhances the quality of simulation of surgical procedures.

These and other aspects, embodiments and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description.

Brief description of the drawings
The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the trainer model disclosed herein and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of complete assembly of the trainer model according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic exploded view of various components of the trainer model according to embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of use of the trainer model in conjunction with other device according to embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic exploded view of complete assembly of the trainer model according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view of the trainer model having vaginal opening according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic view of the trainer model with an integral provision for insufflation

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic view of the trainer model with an external provision for insufflation

Detailed Description of Embodiments
The following detailed description is the best currently contemplated methods of performing exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a listing sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is used defined by the appended claims.
Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features. Broadly, embodiments of the present invention generally provide an improved trainer model designed to allow surgeons to practice surgical procedure with more realistic feel.

Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate an embodiment of the surgical trainer model (100) designed for simulating endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical procedures. The trainer model (100) comprise a rigid casing (101) with a leakproof gasket (102) and clamps (103), a lid (104) with flexible, stretchable gel sheet (105) representing abdominal wall and clamp hooks (106), an insufflation pump (107), a pressure sensor, a control unit (109) for the insufflation pump (107) and control buttons (110), power supply for the insufflation pump (107), insufflation tubing (113), and inner cavity (114) with anatomical features and free volume comparable to actual human anatomy. The surgical trainer model (100) may optionally comprise of a replaceable, rechargeable battery (112).

The inner cavity (114) can either be permanently fixed inside the rigid casing (101) or it can be removably fixed inside the rigid casing (101) thereby making it easy for the user to replace.

Fig. 3 illustrates the usage of the trainer model (100) in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, which is intended to be used in conjunction with instruments such as trocar (301), laparoscopic grapser (302), etc. In order to visualize the internal cavity of the trainer model (100), a laparoscope (303) and a camera system (304) with a light source (305) and a monitor (306) may be used.

In one of the embodiment, the rigid casing (101) and the lid (104) can be opaque, translucent or transparent, or it can have a combination of transparent, translucent and opaque surfaces. The rigid casing (101) and the lid (104) can be made from plastic such as PC, ABS, acrylic, or any such suitable polymer or metal such as Aluminum, Steel, or such suitable material.

The inner cavity (114) can be opaque and it may have a light colour similar to the actual intra-abdominal colour. The inner cavity (114) can be made from material such as foam or it can be made of rigid plastic material such as but not limited to. Polystyrene, ABS, PET or any other tough polymer or metal such as Aluminum, Steel, or such suitable material.

In an embodiment, the lid (104) is designed such that the clamps (103) on the rigid casing (101) hold the clamp hooks (106) on the lid (104) tightly and create a leakproof seal with the gasket (102).

The lid (104) with gel sheet (105) forms a leak-proof or air-tight seal with the rigid casing (101), which is achieved by any means such as latching, clamping, bolting, adhesive bonding or any such suitable technique.

The gel sheet (105) represents the patient’s abdominal wall, has similar consistency and feel like an abdominal wall and can be made from materials such as Silicone gel, SEBS gel, Polyurethane, Natural rubber, Neoprene, Foam, or similar. The material of the sheet (105) is non-permeable and does not allow air or gases or fluids to escape out of the trainer model (100). The material of the sheet (105) is capable of stretching. Also, if an incision is made in the material, it self-seals in a leakproof manner. This self-sealing property enables creation of laparoscopic ports in the sheet as per the surgeon’s preference. The sheet (105) is easy to replace so that it can be replaced by the surgeon after prolonged use.

The trainer model (100) is capable of being insufflated wherein the sheet (105) can stretch and form a dome-like surface that is representative of pneumoperitoneum in endoscopic or laparoscopic surgery.

In one of the embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, the provision for insufflation can be integral to the trainer model (100). An insufflation pump (107) can be provided inside the trainer model (100). The pump will have an air inlet (401) that takes in ambient air and an air outlet (402) that can supply compressed air. The air outlet (402) can either be directly connected to the inner cavity (114) or as shown in Fig. 6, it can be connected to an insufflation tubing (113) which in turn can be connected to a trocar (301) that can be inserted through the sheet (105) for insufflation.

In another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, the provision for insufflation can be external to the trainer model (100). The insufflator box (601) houses the insufflation pump and all the electronics. The air outlet (402) of the pump can be connected to insufflation tubing (113), which in turn can be connected to a trocar (301) that can be inserted through the sheet (105) for insufflation.

Alternatively, a common CO2 insufflation system used in hospitals can be connected to a trocar that can be inserted through the sheet (105) of the trainer model (100) for insufflation.

In an embodiment, the insufflation pump (107) is meant to insufflate the trainer model (100) with air up to a predetermined pressure (typically in the range of 3 to 50mmHg) to create a simulated pneumoperitoneum. The pump (107) has an air inlet (401) and an air outlet (402). The air outlet (402) provides pressurized air to insufflate the trainer model when the pump (107) is running. The air pressure is sensed by the pressure sensor and the pump (107) is automatically cut off when a set pressure is reached. If the pressure drops below a certain threshold, the pump (107) automatically switches ON and fills air in the inner cavity (114) till it reaches set pressure value. The pressure can be set using control buttons (110).

As shown in Fig. 5, the trainer model (100) represents female anatomy with simulated vaginal opening (501) and a simulated vaginal canal (502). This model can be used to simulate trans-vaginal surgical approach.

In one of the embodiments, the inner cavity (114) can be fitted with simulated internal organs such as but not limited to uterus, bowel, liver, etc. for simulating laparoscopic or endoscopic procedures.

In another embodiment, the inner cavity (114) can be fitted with various removable modules for practicing specific laparoscopic or endoscopic surgical skills. The pads can be such as but not limited to suturing pad, peg placement pad, suture passing pad, myoma bed pad, bowel pad.

In an embodiment, the rigid casing (101) of the trainer model (100) can have vacuum cups at its base to firmly mount it on a table during use.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be
appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or
equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown
and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. This
application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific
embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this invention be limited
only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.
,CLAIMS:1. A trainer model (100) comprising
(a) a rigid casing (101);
(b) an inner cavity (114) inside the rigid casing (101); and
(c) a lid (104) having a flexible sheet (105), the lid (104) forming a leakproof and air-tight seal with the rigid casing (101).
2. The model (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible sheet (105) having capability of being insufflated.
3. The model (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprises
(a) an insufflation pump (107) having an air inlet (401) and an air outlet (402), the insufflation (107) is connected to the inner cavity (11);
(b) a power supply;
(c) a control unit (109);
(d) control buttons (110); and
(e) a pressure sensor.
4. The model (100) as claimed in claim 3, further comprises an insufflation tubing (113) connected to the air outlet (402).
5. The model (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gel sheet (105) represents the patient’s abdominal wall.
6. The model (100) as claimed in claim 3, further comprises a battery (112) for powering the insufflation pump (107).
7. The model (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner cavity (114) represents anatomical feature comparable to human anatomy.