SPINAL INJECTION TRAINER AND METHODS THEREFOR

摘要

A model for anatomical training includes a visibly clear thermoplastic elastomer matrix formed with at least one contoured surface, the contoured surface simulating at least a portion of a human body. The visibly clear thermoplastic elastomer matrix provides visible needle tracks upon needle penetration that may be fused closed upon heating the thermoplastic elastomer matrix such that the needle tracks are no longer visible. The model includes a skeletal structure embedded within the thermoplastic elastomer matrix at the same location, relative to the contoured surface, as the corresponding skeletal structure is located in a human body, the skeletal structure producing a fluoroscopic image representative of human bone corresponding to the skeletal structure.

主权项

1. A method of preparing a model for anatomic training, comprising:
saturating an open cell foam with a liquid thermoplastic elastomer to form an impregnated elastomer impregnated foam; curing the liquid thermoplastic elastomer; forming a simulated intervertebral disc from the elastomer impregnated foam; applying a first, thin layer of liquid silicone to the simulated intervertebral disc; positioning the simulated intervertebral disc between vertebrae to form a skeletal structure column; placing the skeletal structure in a mold having at least one surface contoured surface simulating at least a portion of a human body; adding a visibly clear thermoplastic elastomer to the mold, the visibly clear thermoplastic elastomer providing visible needle tracks upon needle penetration, wherein the needle tracks are fused closed upon heating the thermoplastic elastomer such that the needle tracks are no longer visible in the thermoplastic elastomer; and whereby the skeletal structure is embedded within the visibly clear thermoplastic elastomer at the same location, relative to the contoured surface, as the corresponding skeletal structure is located in a human body, the skeletal structure producing a fluoroscopic image representative of actual bone corresponding to the skeletal structure.