Disclosed is a brain blood vessel model composed of a three-dimensional tissue containing defibrated extracellular matrix components and cells including brain microvascular endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytes, wherein at least a portion of the above-described cells adheres to the above-described defibrated extracellular matrix.

There is provided a lung simulation apparatus for simulating a state of a living mammalian lung, the lung simulation apparatus comprising, a housing having a shape defined by an apex, an open base and a lateral surface that tapers from the open base to the apex; an elastic membrane covering the open base of the housing; an inflatable sac disposed within the housing, the sac being in substantial conformance with the shape of the housing and approximating the shape of the living mammalian lung, when in an inflated state; an internal space for containing fluid, the internal space being defined as the space between the housing and the inflatable sac and the space between the elastic membrane and the inflatable sac, wherein the space for containing fluid substantially complies with the anatomical dimensions of an intrapleural space of the living mammalian lung when the inflatable sac is in the inflated state. There is also provided a method of making the lung simulation apparatus.

The presently disclosed subject matter provides an approach to address the needs for microscale control in shaping the spacial geometry and microarchitecture of 3D collagen hydrogels. For example, the disclosed subject matter provides for compositions, methods, and systems employing N-sulfosuccinimidyl-6-(4′-azido-2′-nitro-phenylamino)hexanoate (“sulfo-SANPAH”), to prevent detachment of the hydrogel from the anchoring substrate due to cell-mediated contraction.

Universal simulator used to practice techniques and procedures in cardiac surgery through classical and minimally invasive approaches at the heart level, or other interventions in the thoracic surgery field. The simulator is composed of a synthetic thorax (1) which has several incisions (6) with mobile costo-vertebral joints (2) and mobile sterno-costal joints (3), a sternum with a medium cut (4) and a transversal cut (5) at the level of the third intercostal space, a porcine tissue composed of heart (7), two lungs (21), ascending aorta (17), descending aorta (22) and trachea (23) and a pumping system composed of an actuator (10), a piston cylinder (8) connected through tubing (11) to the left and right ventricles of the heart, a variable pressure pump (9) which pumps liquid through tubing (18) into the ascending aorta (17), an air trap (13) mounted between the pump (8) and the heart (7) and two unidirectional valves (19 and 20) for liquid and air, mounted in series in the superior part of the air trap (13) and a reservoir (14) for liquid connected to the pumps (8 and 9) which pump liquid into and from the heart (7) and to the ascending aorta (17).

A biorobotic hybrid heart that preserves organic intracardiac structures and mimics cardiac motion by image-guided replication of the cardiac myofiber architecture of the left ventricle with an active synthetic myocardium that drives the motion of the heart. The active soft tissue mimic is adhered to the organic endocardial tissue in a helical fashion using a custom-designed adhesive to form a flexible, conformable, and watertight organosynthetic interface.

A surgical training device for use with a thoracic tissue model includes a base having a thoracic tissue model receiving area. A first rib mounting member is slidably coupled to the base adjacent a first side of the thoracic tissue model receiving area and a second rib mounting member is slidably coupled to the base adjacent a second side of the thoracic tissue model receiving area opposite the first side. A plurality of simulated ribs each have a first end coupled to the first rib mounting member and a second end coupled to the second rib mounting member, and are repositionable between right and left thoracic configurations.

A simulation device for simulating a surgical procedure includes an open box and a three-dimensional model of a bony or soft tissue anatomical structure that is positionable in the open box. A box cover is positionable over the open box. Advantageously, the box cover includes surface structures that simulate anatomical structures relevant to the surgical procedure.

A surgical training model for simulating gynecological surgery may include a simulated human uterus. A first inner portion may include harvested porcine uterus and a second outer portion may include harvested porcine tissue that surrounds the first inner portion. The simulated human uterus may be sized and shaped to replicate a human uterus. A simulated human broad ligament may include porcine tissue.

The presently disclosed subject matter provides a biomimetic organ model, and methods of its production and use. In one exemplary embodiment, the biomimetic organ model can be a multi-layer model including a at least two microchannels and at least one chamber slab with at least one membrane coated with cells disposed between at least one microchannel and the at least one chamber slab. In another exemplary embodiment, the biomimetic organ disease model can be a five-layer model including a first and second microchannel with a membrane-gel layer-membrane coated or encompassing cells disposed between the microchannels. In certain embodiments, at least one device can be coupled to the biomimetic organ model that delivers an agent to at least one microchannel.

A ethically sound, safe, feasible, and cost-effective microsurgery practice technique that can easily be practiced by trainees having different skill levels and an adjustable device for holding and manipulating vascular tissue during microsurgery practice, especially for practicing anastomoses.