RAT BIOMODELS FOR TRAINING IN MEDICAL CRANIOTOMY TECHNIQUES

Abstract

The present invention relates to substitute guinea pig rat models for craniotomy training. In this scenario, the present invention provides a rat model for training in medical craniotomy techniques comprising a body (2) with four legs (21) and a tail (22), and a head (1), similar to those of a rat, wherein the body (2) and the head (1) are attachable (3), and wherein the head (1) comprises a rigid skull. (1), similar to those of a rat, wherein the body (2) and the head (1) are attachable (3), and wherein the head (1) comprises a rigid skull.

Claims

1. A rat model for training medical craniotomy techniques comprising a body (2) with four legs (21) and a tail (22), and a head (1), similar to those of a mouse, characterized by the fact that the body (2) and the head (1) are attachable (3), where the head (1) comprises a rigid skull.

2. Rat biomodel according to claim 1, characterized in that the rigid skull is filled with reddish colored gelatinous material (10).

3. Rat biomodel according to claim 1, characterized in that the biomodel is manufactured by the 3D printing technique.

4. Rates biomodel according to claim 2, characterized in that the rigid skull is manufactured using ABS monofilament in ivory white color.

5. Rat biomodel according to claim 1, characterized in that the body (2) of the biomodel is manufactured from silicone, and is provided with elements such as pharynx, larynx, trachea, stomach, and tail vein (22) anatomically similar to a real rat.

6. Rat biomodel according to claim 4, characterized in that the skull internally comprises a semitransparent hydrophobic moldable silicone film.

7. Rat biomodel according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises Strain Gauge type sensors adapted to measure the depth of the skull section, and the force stress applied skull.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Preliminarily, it is emphasized that the description that follows will start from a preferred embodiment of the invention. As will be evident to anyone skilled in the art, however, the invention is not limited to this particular realization.

[0029] As already described, the rat model of the present invention was developed to replace the rat in craniotomy training, providing refinement of technique by the researcher and consequent reduction in the number of rats for studies that need access to the brain.

[0030] Image 1 illustrates the rat biomodel of the present invention with head 1 and body 2 highlighted. The fitting 3 of head 1 with the body 2 can be better observed in Image 2.

[0031] More broadly, the invention provides a rat model for training medical craniotomy techniques comprising a body 2 with four legs 21 and a tail 22, and a head 1, similar to those of a rat. The element of the invention that makes the biomodel unique, and amenable to application for training craniotomy techniques, is in the fact that the body 2 and head 1 are fittable 3, wherein the head 1 comprises a rigid skull.

[0032] Preferably, the body 2 of the biomodel is made of a more flexible material, such as silicone, where externally, the body 2 has a texture similar to that of a real rat body 2.

[0033] Optionally, the body 2 of the biomodel can be provided with elements (such as pharynx, larynx, trachea, stomach, and tail vein 22) that are anatomically similar to the real rat, and that allow the simulation of various procedures, such as dosing the animals orally with pipettes, venous injection into the tail 22, and insertion of feeding tubes into the throat. Thus, the biomodel could be used both for craniotomy and for training the other techniques highlighted.

[0034] Images 3 and 4 illustrate rear and top views of head 1 of the rat biomodel of the invention. In these images it can be seen that the rigid skull is filled with gelatinous material 10 (preferably red), with a texture similar to the animal's brain. Thus, the training experience becomes even more real with this optional configuration.

[0035] Preferably, the biomodel is manufactured by the 3D printing technique, which has proven to be very accurate and realistic for reproducing various objects. For modeling the 3D print can be used the software Blender (Freeware), where the model can be based on the structure of the skull of a taxidermied adult male rat.

[0036] In this optional configuration, the average skull measurements would be 4.5 cm total length, 3.0 cm jaw length, 1.2 cm width and 2 mm thickness. These measurements, however, may vary, so this does not represent a limitation to the scope of the invention.

[0037] Optionally, the rigid skull is manufactured using ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) monofilament, in ivory white color. The choice of this filament in concrete prototypes was based on the proximity of resistance with the bone material.

Meanwhile, this feature is only optional, other materials can be used instead.

[0038] To allow the user to visualize the proximity of the brain during the incision, the 3D skull frame can be constructed in thickness similar to the thickness found in adult rat skulls. Such a thickness can be, for example, 0.5 mm.

[0039] Additionally, the skull can be filled with gelatinous material 10 (PVA base, sodium borate and food coloring) simulating the brain. In this configuration, if the user, in his training, exceeds the intended limit with the technique used, the skull filling material leaks, indicating to the user that he would have perforated the animal's skull.

[0040] In order to provide a better finish and make the model more realistic, the eye can optionally be modeled with the same gel-like material that fills the model's skull (brain), and can be painted red.

[0041] In addition, the biomodel can comprise vibrissae made, for example, with white sewing thread and glued to the model's snout with white glue. Obviously, vibrissae can be manufactured in different ways, so this does not represent a limitation to the scope of the invention.

[0042] It is important to note that the separate making of head 1, allowing for fitting 3 and removing it, was designed to facilitate the exchange of heads 1 already used in the procedure, thus keeping body 2 reusable. In this way, after training and using the model skull, only head 1 should be replaced, so that body 2 can be reused countless times. Thus, the invention is extremely advantageous because it reduces the waste of material and capital that would represent the replacement of the model as a whole.

[0043] It should be noted that the form of fit 3 between body 2 and head 1 can vary, so any form of fit 3 can be adopted. It can also be adopted some locking element between these elements, such as screws, magnets, etc. Thus, the choice of fitting form 3 does not represent a limitation to the scope of the invention.

[0044] Also optionally, a configuration is provided in which the skull internally comprises a moldable hydrophobic semitransparent silicone film. This film would be useful to simulate the dura mater, which is the outermost of the three meninges surrounding a real brain.

[0045] Also optionally, configurations are provided in which Strain Gauge type sensors are connected to software for user monitoring of skull section depth, and force stress applied to the simulator during training. In this configuration, the user would be informed in real time if he is performing the practiced technique in the correct way, or if he should make any kind of adaptation (force/pressure, or depth).

[0046] Therefore, based on what is described in this report, the rat model of the present invention reaches its proposed goal of providing a substitute model for the use of an animal for training in the experimental phase of neuroscience projects that need to perform craniotomy, in an effective way.

[0047] The biomodel can be applied for training researchers and graduate students in learning craniotomy and presents itself as an alternative to the use of animals in the training of this procedure.

[0048] Optionally, the biomodels can be sold in kits comprising five heads 1 (or as many heads as deemed necessary) and a body 2 made of ABS material by 3D printing. In addition, the heads 1 can be marketed individually, reducing costs when purchasing these training tools.

[0049] Numerous variations affecting the scope of protection of the present application are permissible. Thus, it is reinforced that the present invention is not limited to the particular configurations/concretizations described above.