SibMed students developed a prototype of simulator for animal surgery

24.06.2024

SibMed students have made a big step in the field of veterinary surgery by starting the development of a simulator for laparoscopic ovariectomy in cats. The project has anatomically correct organ models made of polymer materials and a silicone abdominal wall for installing laparoscopic ports. The first prototype of the simulator is already undergoing clinical trials — the first operation was performed.

4th year students of the SibMed General Medicine Department have developed a prototype that simulates the lower part of the cat's body and the corresponding internal organs — the uterus with fallopian tubes and ovaries, blood vessels, bladder and intestines. The invention will allow students of veterinary universities to simulate clinical cases and practice operations, for example, sterilization, in conditions close to real ones, using equipment used by practicing veterinary surgeons.   

The main task was to create a specialized low-cost simulator that is as close as possible to the real conditions of laparoscopic ovariectomy in pets. First, the cat's body is printed, and then the internal organs. Silicone organs are made on their basis. They are then placed in the body of the simulator. The main goal of the project is to study the technology of simulator production. Since this is our first project, we are learning how to produce simulators, which can become a foundation for other students

— explained Alina Akulova, 

Head of the Pet Laparoscopic Ovariectomy Simulator project.

The advantages of the simulator include a complex structure, proximity to real conditions, reusability and the possibility of modeling other pathologies. The project is supported by the grant "Student startup" from the Foundation for Assistance to Small Innovative Enterprises in Science and Technology. The project team is working on refining the 3D model, after which the main prototype will be printed. The project is planned to be implemented by the end of 2024.

In addition to Alina Akulova, three other 4th year students of the Sibmed General Medicine Department are involved in the project — Ekaterina Bart, Ruslan Vorontsov and Alina Umanets. The team works at the SibMed General Surgery Division under the guidance of Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor of the General Surgery Division Aleksander Martusevich and Junior Researcher at the Rapid Medical Prototyping Division Viktor Stasevskii