The first homemade colonoscopy trainer

Abstract

Colonoscopy trainers have gained recognition for improving endoscopy skills and preparing for real procedures on humans. Unfortunately, due to their high price, commercial simulators are hard to obtain, especially for small medical centers. However, a solution might be to construct a device for themselves. Our goal was to build a relatively cheap and easy-to-construct simulator for residents who want to start learning colonoscopy. The box model colonoscopy trainer was designed and constructed. The artificial colon was made from 2 layers of fabric and rubber rings between them. Velcro attached to the artificial colon and to the box, and the tarp straps that simulate peritoneal adhesions allow the bowel to be arranged in many different configurations. Moreover, some aspects of polypectomy training have been incorporated in the colonoscopy simulator. The self-constructed simulator was found to be an effective training device, with the total cost of parts not exceeding $30. In this paper, we present the first homemade simulator for colonoscopy training. It offers the opportunity for skills acquisition in a preclinical setting.

Soft robotics for physical simulators, artificial organs and implantable assistive devices

“…Some researchers tried to replicate the structure of the intestine with off-the-shelf and inexpensive materials such as fabric, e.g. red satin fabric [18], woven fabric [19], or by just using the transparent cover of a surgical sonographic probe [20], replicating the haustral folds with constraining elements, as rubber bands. These alternatives showed promising results in improving the endoscopic skills of the surgeons, but they lack accurate representation of material properties resulting in a non-realistic feeling.…”

Physical Simulator for Colonoscopy: A Modular Design Approach and Validation

“…Nevertheless, they often lack several features, e.g., i) detailed visual realism, ii) the possibility of selecting different anatomical configurations, and iii) the inclusion of objective feedback on the performance, besides their limited affordability [16]. To this end, recent research-oriented simulators [17], [18] have been developed to offer a wider range of realistic cases and reduce costs. This goal was achieved by using inexpensive materials and exploiting 3D-printing manufacturing, paving the way for adaptable and easy-to-fabricate phantoms.…”

Automatic hands-free visualization of a six degrees of freedom agent within a complex anatomical space

“…In these systems, the anatomical phantom is fixed to the desk mainly using rubber bands, and polyps or biopsy sites are replicated with small pieces of sponges, foam padding or snap fasteners. The construction of these platforms is meant to be easy, and achievable by many people without any technical background [91][92][93]. A more realistic, but still cost-effective system, was developed by exploiting the 3D-printing technology for the manufacturing of the upper GI tract replica [94].…”

“…Recent research-oriented simulators [93,96] have been developed in view of offering a wider range of realistic cases and reducing the costs of the simulator. This is obtained by embedding inexpensive materials and exploiting 3D-printing manufacturing, paving the way for adaptable and easy-to-fabricate phantoms.…”