Invention:
This innovation is an animal-free surgical training simulator for use in biomedical research. The system comprises anatomically accurate simulators and step-by-step protocols for training in surgical techniques. The component parts of the simulators can be produced through cost-effective 3D printing, making the system affordable and customizable. These simulators aim to replace live animal use in training and reduce the number of animals involved in research, aligning with the principles of the 3R philosophy. Researchers can practice surgical skills and techniques on these simulators, resulting in improved performance, better experimental outcomes, reduced complications, and compliance with animal welfare standards.
Background:
Rodents (rats and mice) and other small mammals, such as guinea pigs, hamsters, and rabbits are the most common species used in biomedical research where technically demanding surgical procedures are frequently performed. Current options for surgical training simulators are expensive and lack customization, leading to a reliance on live animals for training. There is a social mandate to replace and reduce the number of animals used in biomedical research. To do this, it’s essential to develop realistic training simulators that are affordable and easy to use so they can be widely adopted across research programs worldwide.
Applications:
- Surgical training simulator
- Animal-free surgical training
- Training for researchers
- Experimental protocol development
Advantages:
- Cost-effective
- Customizable
- Improved performance
- Better research outcomes
- Compliance with animal welfare standards
- Aligned with the 3R philosophy
