Process and Application of Specialized Training Phantoms for MRT / CT / US / Endoscopy on interventional and Laparo-Endoscopic techniques for engineers

Peter Bremer, Andreas Melzer, Brigitte Kipfmüller, Sandra Schoeneweis, Sebastian Chudy, Natascha Sierp, Sentürk Konak, Björn Möller, Silvia Peimann, INSITE med. & Dept of Physical engineering University of Applied Sciences, Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Background

The Department of Physical Engineering at University of Applied Science Gelsenkirchen educates Health Technology to students in an interdisciplinary way.

Material & Methods

For simulating laparoendoscopic surgery we offer training courses for the students using custom-made and modified phantoms for the use of freshly excises porcine organs from the slaughter house. The material of the phantom boxes is synthetic material with a surface of flexible material for simulating abdominal wall non magnetic and radiation transparent for use under CT and MRI. During procedure the animal organs are placed in different levels and are fixed with the gelatine or agar for optimal echo and MR signal behaviour. Another training phantom is a vessel phantom, which was modified to the different demands. The human vasculature is simulated by reproduced glass tubes with several connections.

Results

We have developed a method for conservation of tissue, which allows a longer utilization of the organs. Thus the implementation of the organs in our phantom and the connection with the glass tubes simulating the perfusion is possible.

Conclusion

The different applications of the phantoms during our training courses offer an excellent platform for testing new methods, materials and instruments for development and research.

Keywords

Phantom- MRT / CT / US / Endoscopy on interventional