Simulated skin and method

• US 4,596,528 A
• Filed: 07/02/1984
• Issued: 06/24/1986
• Est. Priority Date: 07/02/1984
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Bernard P. Nusbaum, Harry R. Leeds, Leonard A. Lewis
• Original Assignee: Bernard P. Nusbaum, Harry R. Leeds, Leonard A. Lewis
• Inventors: Lewis, Leonard A., Leeds, Harry R., Nusbaum, Bernard P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Skogquist, Harland S.
• Application Number:
  US06/626,966
• Time in Patent Office: 722 Days
• Field of Search: 434/262, 434/266, 434/267, 434/268, 434/270, 434/271, 434/272, 434/273, 434/295, 446/100, 446/341
• US Class Current: 434/270
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 23/30 Anatomical models G09B23/281 - G09B23/288 take precedence

Abstract

A new use of an elastomeric material to which a stitchable covering is laminated. More specifically a thin knitted fabric may be laminated to an elastomeric material, optionally a foamed or porous material. Other materials are contemplated. In addition, the invention is directed to forms over which the simulated skin may be placed to reproduce the curvature of the human anatomy. One form has a varying curvature but is essentially square. The various curved portions simulated various curved portions of the skin that would be found on the abdomen, thigh, arm, chest or scalp. Another form is a mannequin simulating the face of a patient and which optionally has means for securing the simulated skin to the mannequin in a life-like configuration which include a simulated mouth and simulated eyes. These in turn assist in anchoring the simulated skin to the mannequin and also provide realistic guidelines for surgical practice. The method contemplates stretching a simulated skin over a form, and then performing various operations which are set forth in a teaching manual by an incision through the outer layer of the skin simulating a penetration of the epidermis, and then penetrating further into the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Optionally a laminated simulated skin may be provided in which the laminations are color coded to indicate human tissue layers. The color coded laminations will act as an aid to determine the depth of cut and thereby assist the student or practitioner in identifying the various steps to which the cut should be made, and the various removal techniques accompanied by subsequent stitching and closing of the wound.

Claims

1. A simulated skin having an uninterrupted surface consisting of,

a simulated uninterrupted stitchable woven fabric simulated epidermis,

a simulated uninterrupted dermis laminated to said stitchable woven fabric,

an adhesive accomplishing the lamination of the woven fabric epidermis to the dermis which is permanently bonded thereto without effecting stitchability and remains readily susceptible of penetration by a knife,

and a further uninterrupted layer of simulated subcutaneous tissue,

said uninterrupted subcutaneous tissue being laminated to the simulated dermis in the same fashion as the epidermis is laminated to the dermis,

and each of said layers being color coded to thereby teach the student how to observe various depths of cut, and permitting undermining in the performance of a simulated operation by both cutting the wound open and then subsequently suturing the same.

2. In the simulated skin of claim 1 above,

the skin being positioned over a form to simulate various curved portions of the body.

3. In the simulated skin of claim 1 above,

a facial form to which the skin is secured,

and means secured to the skin simulating the mouth and eyes.

4. A simulated skin, comprising, in combination,

a simulated uninterrupted epidermis being a woven stitchable fabric,

a simulated uninterrupted dermis laminated to said simulated uninterrupted epidermis with a glue which forms a permanent attachment between the two but which can be penetrated by a surgeon'"'"'s knife along the line of lamination,

a simulated uninterrupted subcutaneous tissue, said uninterrupted subcutaneous tissue being bonded to the uninterrupted dermis in the same fashion as the epidermis,

all of the above three layers being susceptible of cutting by a surgeon'"'"'s knife and thereafter its edges being brought together by means of suturing with known surgical techniques,

all of the above three layers being color coded to assist in observing depth of cut,

and a form to which said simulated skin is secured in portable fashion, whereby the entire simulated skin and form combination can be used by a student in the classroom or practicing out of the classroom, and reused for repetative teaching.

5. In the simulated skin of claim 4,

said uninterrupted epidermis having a thickness of about 1/32 of an inch.