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Physical simulator

Digital and Physical Simulators for Neurosurgical Training and Surgery Planning
  1. Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering
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  4. SIMIS: Simulation for Intervention and Surgery
  5. Physical simulator

Central to our hands-on training, our 3D printed physical simulators allow to simulate the procedure of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm clipping with unprecedented realism.

The 3D printing production methods employed allow to replicate real-cases aneurysm wall thickness, to visualize intraluminal fluids and to have a realistic haptic feedback upon manipulation. The simulator includes one or more case-specific aneurysm, brain and dura phantoms, encapsulated in 3D printed housing and bone mounted on a fixed skull, also 3D printed.

Our physical simulator features a standard skull equipped with a versatile rigging system, designed to accommodate interchangeable, patient-specific components. This innovative configuration enables extensive training opportunities within a condensed timeframe. The modular, case-specific parts are crafted to seamlessly integrate with the standard skull model. These components not only replicate patient-specific anatomies but also mimic the behavior of real bodily fluids, enhancing the realism of surgical training.

Case Customization

Leveraging hybrid production techniques, we provide the option to tailor aneurysm cases on-demand, mirroring specific surgical intricacies, in addition to offering a selection of pre-established scenarios. Our physical simulators are designed with versatility at their core, ensuring compatibility with standard surgical setups and equipment:

  • Comprehensive Integration: Fully compatible with Mayfield clamps and adjustable to any operating table via a sophisticated rigging system, our simulators accommodate a wide array of microscopy and exoscopy tools, inclusive of UV/IR functionalities. The Layla retractor system and a variety of clipping instruments can be employed to simulate a clinically accurate environment.
  • Advanced Imaging and Simulation Capabilities: Our simulators are conducive to the simulation of Indocyanine-Green Videoangiography (ICG-VA), employing an assortment of fluids, fluorescent dyes, and indocyanine green to facilitate diverse training scenarios. They are also fully compatible with contemporary imaging methodologies, including CT and photon counting CT scans.
Left: the physical simulator mounted on a table with rigging system, Layla retractors and surgical tools. Right: A participant using the simulator to simulate the clipping.
Microscope visualization of the simulator and infrared visualization of ICG-VA.

Technical specifications

  • Patient specific cases
  • High training cost-effectiveness
  • 3D printed synthetic and biocompatible materials
  • Dimensions regular 3D printed skull: 14 cm x 15 cm x 20 cm
  • Mayfield / table compatible thanks to rigging system
  • Realistic positioning
  • Case-specific cases interchangeable in less than 1 minute
  • Reusable aneurysm cases more than 200 times
  • Multiple clipping possible
  • CT scan compatibility
  • Cases perfusable with blood-like fluids Real and simulated ICG compatible
  • Aneurysm wall thickness down to 0.2 mm
  • Aneurysm locations in Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA), Anterior Communicating Artery (AcomA), Internal Carotid Artery (ICA)
  • Custom aneurysm cases reproducible on demand (in about 10 days)
  • Not compatible with electrically active devices (e.g. bipolar forceps)
  • Hand-luggage size, flight compatibility
  • Clips and clip applicators included
  • Suturing materials an extensive range of surgical instruments included

Attention: SIMIS simulators are exclusively designed for educational, training and research purposes and should not be regarded as medical devices. They are not designed or intended for use in diagnosing, treating, curing, or preventing any health condition. The safety and efficacy of these products in clinical settings as medical devices have not been established.