Design Automation and Additive Manufacturing for Anatomically Diversified Medical Simulators

Abstract The education and continuous exercise of manual skills in invasive medical procedures requires training environments that are safe, cost efficient and realistic. While body parts of humans and animals offer the most realism they are expensive and challenging in storage, handling and disposal. Therefore, training scenarios for medical staff commonly use artificial simulators to practice individual skills and team performance. These simulators usually do not reflect the diversity in human anatomy. Simulators for a certain task are commonly offered only in one shape and size to reduce cost in design and manufacturing. A more diverse anatomy could improve the training of medical staff. This work uses additive manufacturing for the cost efficient production of molds and components for silicone casted customized simulators. Furthermore a design automated approach is presented that allows non-engineers to specify the desired anatomy. The process chain is validated on a simulator for pneumothorax decompression. The main element of the simulator is an insert, which is cut and stitched during the procedure. The insert is a single-use disposable representing ribs, muscles, fat and skin. The new simulator insert offers improved aesthetic and tactile properties. The automated design and additive manufacturing allow non-engineers to adapt the insert to body mass index, age, gender and ethnicity.