Biomechanically Compliant Gynecologic Training Simulator.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Medical Simulation

Background:

• Current Pap smear training simulators lack realistic biomechanical properties of pelvic tissues.
• This limitation may hinder effective training outcomes for medical professionals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify a material that accurately simulates pelvic tissue biomechanics for gynecologic training simulators.
• To fabricate a realistic vagina and cervix simulator model.

Main Methods:

• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was used to compare the biomechanical properties of five materials (RTV615, Dragon Skin 10, Dragon Skin 30, Dragon Skin FX-Pro, Ecoflex 00-30) against a pelvic tissue model.
• FEA modules simulated speculum insertion, vaginal opening, stress distribution, and cervical deformation during simulated procedures.
• A hybrid technique of fused deposition modeling and molding was employed to fabricate the simulator using the selected material.

Main Results:

• Dragon Skin 10 demonstrated biomechanical properties most similar to the control pelvic tissue model in FEA.
• FEA results indicated Dragon Skin 10 accurately replicated vaginal opening, stress distribution, and cervical deformation.
• The fabricated simulator exhibited structural integrity upon qualitative visual inspection.

Conclusions:

• Dragon Skin 10 is the most suitable material for simulating pelvic tissues in gynecologic training simulators based on FEA.
• The hybrid fabrication technique successfully produced a structurally sound simulator.
• Further research involving experimental validation is recommended to support FEA findings.