Analysis of Soft Tissue Materials for Simulation Development

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Medical Simulation

Background:

• Custom medical training simulations are often cost-effective alternatives to purchased models.
• Existing 3D printing materials have physical limitations for soft tissue simulation.
• This study investigates materials for creating realistic soft tissue simulants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate physical properties of castable materials for soft tissue simulant creation.
• To assess suitability of materials for medical imaging and interventions.
• To explore cost-effective simulant production.

Main Methods:

• Casting various materials (foams, rubbers, urethanes, silicones, gels) into standardized forms.
• Visualizing samples using computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound (US).
• Measuring needle penetration force (18ga and 22ga needles).

Main Results:

• Silicone rubbers visualized well with US; CT showed 100-200 Hounsfield units (HU).
• Gels had low HU (-175 to 8) and were US-clear; foams (urethanes) had low HU and were US-opaque.
• Needle forces ranged from 0.05-23.34 N; gels/foams were lower, with silicone overlap. Additives altered silicone properties.

Conclusions:

• Silicone and urethane materials effectively mimic soft tissues for imaging and interventions.
• Potential exists for producing custom, high-fidelity simulants independently.
• Further research needed to optimize material combinations and techniques.