Summary:
Reduced work hours and funding have fueled an increase in simulation-based training for plastic and orthopedic surgery residency programs. Unfortunately, certain simulation training can fail to enhance surgical skills because of availability, cost, or low fidelity. There is a growing interest among training programs for a cost-effective surgical simulator to improve basic skills and muscle memory of residents. The authors developed a three-dimensionally–printed, malleable, and anatomically accurate hand surgery simulator from a computed tomographic scan of an adult male subject. The bone matrix was specifically designed to provide proprioceptive feedback to hone drilling skills used in fracture repair and arthrodesis. The silicone soft-tissue covering provides excellent malleability to dissect and perform fracture-reducing maneuvers. Three-dimensional printing of “fracture bridges” allows the design of on-demand polyfracture models so the trainee can practice multiple types and locations of repairs as skills progress. To summarize, the authors’ hand simulator is an anatomical, low-cost, multiprocedure tool that can be used to improve the muscle memory and basic surgery skills of residents in training.
developed a low-cost tissue-engineering perfusion circuit that facilitates the growth of large cellular constructs while enabling repeated live-imaging. Our devices can easily be replicated, with an ease of customization that makes them vitally effective for bench-to-bedside translational research. Our devices allow us to move toward the in vitro generation of vascularized tissue flaps that would facilitate reconstruction of the human body without donor-site morbidity.
Design and Development of a Novel Nanoparticle Aerosol Generation System for Research Applications Justin R. Chambers Nanoparticles have become of great interest within the scientific community for their use in diverse applications. With this rapidly evolving field, new nano-sized compounds are being developed and used for a variety of reasons. Nanoparticle aerosol technology, aerosolization and dispersion of nano-compounds, has many novel applications and can be used to support current research efforts. This may include anything from drug delivery techniques to industrial processes. To aid v
Two-stage breast reconstruction is the most common method of reconstructive modality following mastectomy and requires serial saline infusions into temporary tissue expanders through subcutaneous ports. Historically, these ports were located using a small magnet attached to a string or support structure. Magnetic force decreases exponentially as tissue thickness or fluid accumulation creates more distance between the TE port and skin. We developed a prototype handheld electronic device, the PortFindr, which more accurately and precisely locates the centre of subcutaneous ports. This device may lead to more confident localization of ports, less inadvertent puncture of tissue expanders, and thus less complications during infusions.
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