The Colorado State University veterinary department has developed artificial tissue material that looks, feels, and bleeds just like real skin, muscles and vessels. It is meant to allow students to practice their surgical skills before they are unleashed onto live patients, or in this case, animals. For years, this has been a matter of using a simple pad consisting of two or sometimes three layers, after which you continue to ‘the real thing’. The newly developed tissue substitute consists of layers of silicone that more accurately simulates skin, connective tissue and muscle. Additionally, the material contains blood vessels connected to a reservoir that simulate realistic bleeding. Layers may have realistic colors for different tissues, or may be translucent for better visualization of the procedure being learned. A welcome evolution of traditional educational materials or overkill for such a simple job? Decide for yourself after watching the video below…
Press release: New artificial tissues enhance surgical training…