
THORACIC SURGERY SIMULATOR
KINDHEART
A surgical simulator used for practicing thoracic surgeries with the da Vinci Surgical System.
Materials Research, Anatomy Research, CAD Modeling, Urethane and Silicone Casting, CNC Machining, Thermoforming, Custom Finishing
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
- Anatomically correct model
- Mount to hold porcine tissue
- Materials properties closely matching flesh and bone
- Easy to cleanup and reset for multiple surgeries
THORACIC SURGERY SIMULATOR
KINDHEART
A surgical simulator used for practicing thoracic surgeries with the da Vinci Surgical System.
Materials Research, Anatomy Research, CAD Modeling, Urethane and Silicone Casting, 3D Printing, CNC Machining, Thermoforming, Custom Finishing
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Anatomically correct model
Mount to hold porcine tissue
Materials properties closely matching flesh and bone
Easy to cleanup and reset for multiple surgeries

KindHeart, a Chapel Hill startup, approached Touchstone 3D with the need for a life-like silicone body to house their real porcine tissue used during their surgical simulations. The product needed to be able to be used with the da Vinci Surgical System and be life-like enough to simulate true surgery.

KindHeart, a Chapel Hill startup, approached Touchstone 3D with the need for a life-like silicone body to house their real porcine tissue used during their surgical simulations. The product needed to be able to be used with the da Vinci Surgical System and be life-like enough to simulate true surgery.
Touchstone 3D's engineers created the life-like patient torso as well as a mount for the porcine tissue to rest in using CAD software.


Touchstone 3D's engineers created the life-like patient torso as well as a mount for the porcine tissue to rest in using CAD software.

A preliminary model of the skeleton was produced to verify that the internal anatomy of the simulator would be accurate.

A preliminary model of the skeleton was produced to verify that the internal anatomy of the simulator would be accurate.
We then produced a number of models using a variety of in-house production techniques including: RTV casting, CNC routing, and thermoforming.


We then produced a number of models using a variety of in-house production techniques including: RTV casting, CNC routing, and thermoforming.

Special care was given to the materials selection for the simulator bones and flesh to provide a realistic experience for the surgeons. We designed mechanical joints and selected specific urethane to allow for life like movement in the rib cage.

Special care was given to the materials selection for the simulator bones and flesh to provide a realistic experience for the surgeons. We designed mechanical joints and selected specific urethane to allow for life like movement in the rib cage.
SURGERIES PERFORMED WITH THIS SIMULATOR:
Lymph node dissection
Fissure dissection
Vessel dissection
Left upper lobectomy
Stapler demonstration


SURGERIES PERFORMED WITH THIS SIMULATOR:
Lymph node dissection
Fissure dissection
Vessel dissection
Left upper lobectomy
Stapler demonstration



