Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
03:42
A Simplified Protocol for Protecting Palatal Soft Tissue Donor Sites Using an Oral Mucoadhesive Bandage
Published on: February 17, 2026
Advanced s(t)imulator for cleft palate repair techniques.
Krisztián Nagy1, Maurice Y Mommaerts
1Division Maxillofacial Surgery, AZ St. Jan Avenue, Ruddershove 10, B-8000 Bruges, Belgium. Krisztian.Nagy@azbrugge.be
Summary
This study presents a simple, affordable, and reproducible life-size model for cleft palate surgery simulation. The cleft palate simulator allows surgeons to practice palatal repair techniques effectively.
Area of Science:
- Medical Simulation
- Surgical Education
- Craniofacial Surgery
Background:
- Cleft palate repair requires specialized surgical skills.
- Training models are essential for surgical proficiency.
- Existing models may be complex or costly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple, inexpensive, and reproducible life-size model of a cleft palate patient's oral cavity.
- To provide a practical tool for surgical training in cleft palate repair.
Main Methods:
- Utilized readily available materials: alginate impression material, plaster, latex gloves, rubber dam, and glue.
- Assembled a life-size model of the oral cavity with a cleft palate.
- Documented a step-by-step assembly process.
Main Results:
- The model was assembled quickly and easily through repeated trials.
- The simulator accurately represented the oral cavity structure of a cleft palate patient.
- The Furlow double-opposing Z-plasty technique was successfully performed on the model.
Conclusions:
- The developed cleft palate simulator is effective for training novice and experienced surgeons.
- It allows for realistic simulation of the intraoral cleft palate situation.
- The model facilitates practice of essential palatal repair surgical techniques.
