Simulated skin and method

摘要

A new use of an elastomeric material to which a stitchable covering is laminated. More specifically a thin knitted fabric may be laminated to an elastomeric material, optionally a foamed or porous material. Other materials are contemplated. In addition, the invention is directed to forms over which the simulated skin may be placed to reproduce the curvature of the human anatomy. One form has a varying curvature but is essentially square. The various curved portions simulated various curved portions of the skin that would be found on the abdomen, thigh, arm, chest or scalp. Another form is a mannequin simulating the face of a patient and which optionally has means for securing the simulated skin to the mannequin in a life-like configuration which include a simulated mouth and simulated eyes. These in turn assist in anchoring the simulated skin to the mannequin and also provide realistic guidelines for surgical practice. The method contemplates stretching a simulated skin over a form, and then performing various operations which are set forth in a teaching manual by an incision through the outer layer of the skin simulating a penetration of the epidermis, and then penetrating further into the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Optionally a laminated simulated skin may be provided in which the laminations are color coded to indicate human tissue layers. The color coded laminations will act as an aid to determine the depth of cut and thereby assist the student or practitioner in identifying the various steps to which the cut should be made, and the various removal techniques accompanied by subsequent stitching and closing of the wound.